COTA SA welcomes and supports COTA Australia’s statement urging the Federal Government to deliver a Budget that promotes fairness without pitting generations against one another.

We share COTA Australia’s concern that public and media discourse too often frames policy decisions as a contest between younger and older Australians, when the real challenge is inequality within generations and across the community.

COTA SA Chief Executive Miranda Starke said:

“We strongly support COTA Australia’s message that fairness is not a competition between generations. Australians of all ages benefit when policy is grounded in equity, not division.”

“Age is an essential part of diversity and inclusion. At a time when generational stereotypes are reinforced in public debate, COTA SA echoes the call to recognise shared values, shared challenges and shared responsibility across age groups.”

“The persistent myth that older Australians are uniformly wealthy is misleading and harmful. A growing number of older people are struggling with the cost of living and are counting every dollar, particularly as housing, healthcare and everyday costs continue to rise.”

“We stand with COTA Australia in calling for policy reform that tackles inequality without rewriting the rules people have relied on to plan their lives, and without creating more pressure on those who are already doing it tough.”

“In the context of the Federal Budget, inclusion is important for people of all ages. Policies that recognise shared values and shared challenges across generations are essential to a fair and cohesive society.”

“COTA SA remains committed to promoting intergenerational harmony, challenging ageism, and working towards a more age inclusive South Australia.”