COTA SA welcomes recent announcements from both the Liberal and Labor parties that include measures aimed at improving the lives of older South Australians.

Both major parties have announced election promises that may provide relief for older people navigating major life changes and cost-of-living pressures and health challenges.

COTA SA Chief Executive Miranda Starke said the announcements are a step toward recognising the needs of older people, but noted that broader challenges remain.

“Older South Australians make up a significant proportion of the population, yet many tell us they feel invisible in major policy decisions, so it is encouraging to see announcements that are specifically targeted towards their needs.”

The Liberal party has announced one-off stamp duty concession of $15,000 for people aged 55+ wanting to downside their home if they meet particular criteria.

COTA SA Chief Executive Miranda Starke said the announcement will be a welcome bonus for any older South Australian who was preparing to downsize, but that it is unlikely to drive widespread downsizing as broader challenges must also be addressed.

“While financial support is always appreciated, we find that stamp duty is rarely the main barrier older people face when considering a move. Emotional, practical, and broader financial issues are the factors that typically weigh most heavily on older people.”

“The decision to downsize often comes at a time of major life change: the loss of a partner, declining mobility, or leaving the workforce. These moments are stressful and can make the idea of relocating feel overwhelming.”

“COTA SA continues to advocate for a dedicated life navigation service to support older people through these significant transitions, helping them understand their options and make decisions with confidence.”

The Liberal plan stipulates that those moving out of their existing home will pay $15,000 less stamp-duty on their next home purchase, as long as the property value of the home does not exceed $1.2 million.

“It’s reasonable to place a price cap on concessions to ensure they reach those who need them most, but with current median house prices, many older people may find that their downsizing options still fall outside eligibility.”

SA Labor has committed to deliver 1,300 new aged care beds in South Australia, including the transformation of the former Women’s and Children’s Hospital site in North Adelaide into a specialised aged care precinct with more than 600 public and private beds.

COTA SA Chief Executive Miranda Starke says this announcement fills a long standing gap in aged care in South Australia, providing a safety net that older South Australians have needed for far too long.

“Hundreds of older South Australians, especially those living with dementia, have been left stranded in hospital due to the lack of appropriate aged care placements.

“Establishing a purpose designed, state run facility offers a much needed pathway out of hospital for these patients.”

“We are encouraged by the potential for the North Adelaide precinct to become a focal point for highly skilled specialists to focus on excellence in dementia care and support. Many of the state’s ‘stranded patients’ have complex cognitive needs.

“This initiative reflects COTA SA’s call for stronger state action on brain health and dementia, including upskilling health and aged care staff so that specialised dementia care becomes standard practice across the sector.”

“While we await further detail on how this initiative would be implemented, it’s important that solutions continue to be sought by all parties, for the older South Australians who are stranded in hospital right now.”