COTA SA is encouraged to see both the Liberal and Labor parties demonstrating bipartisan support for addressing the needs of older South Australians through recent election announcements.
Liberals announce reform of PATS scheme – expanded eligibility
COTA SA Chief Executive Miranda Starke says COTA SA is pleased to see a commitment to reform and expand eligibility for the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) scheme from the Liberal Party.
“The Liberal party plan will expand eligibility for the scheme to include those who live between 50 and 100 kilometres from treatment locations, and travel more than 200km in a week for all specialist treatments.
“We know that many older South Australians need to frequently travel long distances for essential hospital and specialist appointments. Despite having the oldest regional demographic in the State, the Fleurieu Peninsula region is currently excluded from the PATS scheme because it sits just under the 100km eligibility threshold.
“We are delighted to see PATS reform receiving bi-partisan support, with the Liberal announcement following the commitment from Labor to improve access to PATS for those living below the current 100km. COTA SA has been advocating for reform of PATS for some time. Improving access to the PATS scheme would make a major difference to the ability of older people in regional South Australia to access timely and affordable healthcare.”
Liberal election commitment to establish five transition care centres
The Liberal party has also announced the proposed establishment of five transition care centres for South Australians who are medically fit for discharge from hospital but need support while awaiting an aged care place.
This announcement, similarly to Labor’s election promise to develop a specialised aged care precinct on the site of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital, is designed to provide a solution for South Australia’s “stranded patients”.
“Hundreds of older South Australians, including many people with dementia, remain stranded in hospital because there aren’t enough suitable aged care placements available,” Miranda says.
“Whilst we welcome solutions to address this “wicked problem”, we note there is a lot of detail still to be provided in this plan, including how quickly these centres could be recommissioned and operational, and if they are safe and fit for purpose.”
“Many of SA’s stranded patients are vulnerable, frail, or have complex care needs. They deserve high‑quality care in an environment that is genuinely fit for purpose, otherwise we could be adding to their distress.”
“As COTA SA highlighted in our election platform calling for state action on brain health, specialised dementia care must be an essential consideration. Providing specialist support and a highly skilled workforce must be part of the plan to open new transition centres.
“We look forward to seeing more detail about how these proposed facilities will operate and how they will meet the needs of the many older people who are currently stranded in hospital.”
Stamp duty relief for downsizers
COTA SA welcomes the election announcement of the Labor party to abolish stamp duty for South Australians aged 60+ when downsizing to a new home, but highlights this plan alone won’t suddenly change behaviour.
“In our conversations with older people, we know that stamp duty isn’t the main barrier for older people’s decision to move house. Abolishing it will be a welcome bonus for those who have already decided to downsize, and the policy will certainly encourage downsizers to choose a new build over an existing home, but we don’t believe it’s a motivator for people who aren’t already considering a move,” Miranda says.
“When older people talk to us about downsizing, they say the real barriers are emotional and practical, before financial. Moving house is one of the biggest stressors in life and can often come at a time of major change in life such as a health event or the loss of a spouse. That’s what makes downsizing hard and overwhelming.”
“COTA SA continues to advocate for a dedicated life‑navigation service to support older people through these transitions, helping them understand their options and make decisions with confidence.”
“Most older South Australians want to stay in the communities they love so we continue to need more appropriate housing in established suburbs to make that possible.”
For those who do choose to move, Miranda says a key advantage of the policy is that it directs older South Australians towards new and off‑the‑plan homes, which must meet the new National Construction Code’s enhanced accessibility standards, offering safer and more age‑friendly housing.
“A positive outcome of this policy is that new homes are designed with better accessibility and ageing well in mind. The maintenance costs are also likely to be lower than for an existing home, reducing a major cost of living pressure for homeowners as they age.”
Liberal party election commitment to expand regional transport
COTA SA welcomes the Liberal party election commitment to uplift to regional transport.
“We welcome, in principle, any policy that seeks to increase or improve transport options for people living outside metropolitan Adelaide,” Miranda says.
“Older people in regional South Australia rely heavily on public and community transport to maintain their independence, yet for many years they have had far fewer options than those available in metropolitan Adelaide.
“Improving transport connectivity in regional South Australia is essential to ensuring older South Australians can continue to participate fully in their communities.
“COTA SA has long advocated for stronger investment in transport to support older South Australians living in regional South Australia to age well. Adequate transport is essential for older people to be active and maintain purposeful and independent lives connected to family, friends, services, and other interests.”