Insights from nearly 500 older South Australians in COTA SA’s 2026 State Election survey reveal a community that is feeling cautiously optimistic, but also deeply concerned about the pressures that impact their daily lives. See our snapshot results here.
In the context of a weakened political opposition, many older South Australians expressed a strong desire for advocacy groups such as COTA SA to continue championing their interests and ensuring their voices remain loud and clear in the decisions that affect them. Their responses reveal what they expect from the new government: meaningful action on the issues that matter most to older South Australians, and consideration of older voices in decision-making.
Older voters in step with the wider population
Our survey indicated that one third of respondents (34%) changed their vote this election.
While direct comparisons by age group are not available from official results, this rate of vote switching is consistent with the swing vote recorded across the whole population.
For many older swing voters, the change in vote for this election appears to be strategic and a protest, to send a message and apply pressure to the major parties.
“…there are alternative options available to voters that are not 'party' based and the government should be aware of how easily voters' minds can change”
“My vote changed to an independent as I wanted to send a message to the labor government, although I still wanted them to be the elected party.”
“For the first time in my voting life, I voted for the Greens in both the Lower and Upper Houses… I wanted to urge the Labor government to act urgently on climate change and the algal bloom.”
Cost of living, access to healthcare and aged care key issues for older South Australians
The rising cost of living, access to healthcare and the aged care system continued to be the key pressures shaping respondents’ views.
Many told us the State’s health and aged care systems remain under strain, with ramping, access to hospitals and aged care still front of mind. They want the Labor Government to prioritise genuine improvements, and they see COTA SA as a crucial voice in advocating for change across areas such as reform to the Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS), free ambulance services for South Australians on the full age pension and solutions for patients stranded in hospital, awaiting aged care placement.
“Important that we continue to lobby for a humane system of transfer from hospital to aged care and free ambulance for all older South Australians.”
“I think COTA SA do a good job with their advocacy, but it does take a long time for a government to put ideas into practice. I would like free ambulance for pensioners so please keep plugging away - there's always next election.”
Cost of living pressures also emerged as a powerful theme. Respondents expressed deep scepticism that government action would be enough to stabilise rising costs, and that those on fixed incomes, who described feeling increasingly powerless, are particularly vulnerable.
“We, the members of the community on fixed incomes, have no way of controlling the rapidly increasing cost of living.”
What comes next? How the election outcome will impact older South Australians
Nearly half (44%) of the respondents feel that the State election outcome will have a positive impact on the lives of older South Australians. That leaves just over a quarter (26%) who disagree that it will have a positive impact and a similar number who felt neutral about the impact (27%).
This level of neutrality to this question suggests that respondents are unsure about the impact and generally cautious, confirmed by expressions which appeared in our results such as “time will tell”, and “the jury is still out”.
Even those who feel the election outcome will have a positive impact on older South Australians maintained a guarded view of what a Labor Government would deliver for older people, and were aware that election promises still need to be kept.
“Overall the best result considering the choices, they can hopefully get on with the plans the govt has without much getting in the way”.
“With Labor reinstated we will see if their promises hold up."
Regional people feel “forgotten”
Regional and rural respondents were clear and consistent in their frustrations, with many feeling overlooked by a government they see as too focused on metropolitan Adelaide.
24% of survey responses came from regional or rural areas. They were more likely to ‘disagree’ (36%) that the election outcome would have a positive impact on older South Australians, compared with 23% of metropolitan respondents.
Their comments frequently reflected a sense of being “forgotten” in policy agendas, and a lack of confidence that promised improvements would reach them. While some welcomed commitments such as extensions to the PATS scheme, for some respondents, this optimism was cautious and tempered by a sense of doubt.
“If they keep their promises (like PATS) things may be better, but how many actually keep promises?”
Many regional respondents said they see COTA SA and other advocacy groups as key to ensuring older people living outside of metropolitan areas are considered.
“Just keep getting in their ear about us in the regions, as the government treats us as if we don’t exist.”
Lack of a strong opposition, independent groups will be important
While a majority of respondents (57%) said they were satisfied with the election result, many also expressed unease about what the outcome means for the strength of our democracy. They voiced concerns about the impact that a weakened opposition may have on holding the government to account, turning their expectations towards independent groups like COTA SA to advocate for the needs of older people.
“Strong advocacy will be very important. Keep them on their toes, as the opposition may not be able to. Older voters are in big numbers”
“Need to respect older Australians… we are painfully aware we are not all wealthy and healthy.”
A number of respondents acknowledged COTA SA’s role during the election, expressing appreciation for the organisation’s evidence-based solutions and advocacy on behalf of older South Australians. Several highlighted the expansion of Seniors Card eligibility, a change championed by COTA SA in our State Election platform, as a positive and practical outcome of this work.
You can see a snapshot of COTA SA’s State Election survey response results here.
Thank you to everyone who shared their views with us. Your insights shape our work and strengthen our advocacy for older South Australians. If you’re over 50, we invite you to become a COTA SA member. Membership is free for all older South Australians who want to support our work and stay involved in highlighting the issues that matter most. Become a COTA SA member today.
