Our colleagues at COTA Australia have recently released their federal election agenda outlining the issues that will make the most difference to older Australians, and their recommendations for the major parties as we approach the May Federal Election.

Amongst key priorities detailed in the COTA Australia election agenda are six measures to address cost of living, including the number one ask - the introduction of a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme.

COTA SA strongly supports the COTA Australia call for a public dental scheme for older Australians. Access to free dental care is an issue that many older South Australians told us was missing from the recent federal budget announcement. We know how important it is to be able to access dental care in order to age well and enjoy a decent quality of life and we will continue to advocate alongside COTA Australia for the introduction of this scheme.

In addition to cost of living relief, COTA Australia is also calling for action to address ageism, measures to protect people against scams, and for wait times for people waiting for aged care support at home to be reduced to no longer than 30 days.

COTA Australia CEO, Patricia Sparrow says that every election is important but "this one is especially important for shaping how we as a country support our ageing population.”

When COTA SA invited older Australians to respond, in our Federal Budget Survey, to the recent Federal Budget we also asked them if it had influenced how they planned to vote. While many said the budget had no impact on their voting intentions, 15% of respondents said they were considering changing their vote and another 16% remained unsure of how they would vote. Many respondents shared that they would be waiting for more information, and in some cases right up to election day, to make their final decision:

"My decision will only be made on voting day, after the deliberations leading up to it" - survey respondent

"I have become a swinging voter and will make up my mind much closer to the election" - survey respondent

"Some of what the parties are promising sounds good so I am keeping my options open" - survey respondent

With around 30% of older voters still considering how they will vote in May, we look forward to the major parties reflecting on the recommendations from COTA Australia and taking action to improve life for older Australians.

• Read 'What we want: The 2025 agenda for older Australians' here
• Find out more about the Election agenda in COTA Australia's media release here
• Read more about how older people responded to the Federal Budget in COTA SA's Federal Budget survey here