Independent candidate for Cowper, Caz Heise, has endorsed the National Seniors Australia 2025 election priorities, backing a suite of practical reforms to improve the lives of older Australians.

Cowper is home to 29,230 Age Pension recipients – the third highest number in Australia – and Caz says supporting people to age and retire with dignity must be a national priority.

“Too many people are struggling to cover essentials in retirement, facing long waits for care, and being penalised for trying to work or downsize,” Caz said. 

“We need a fairer system, one that values the contribution older Australians have made and gives them the security and respect they deserve.”

“I’ve listened to people on the ground, consulted experts, and read the reports, from COTA to Elder Abuse Action Australia to National Seniors Australia. The truth is, we are not looking after elderly people the way we should, and the solutions are right in front of us.” 

If elected, Caz has committed to:

Tackling the cost of living 

• Increasing the Age Pension and boosting Commonwealth Rent Assistance to tackle pension poverty

• Expanding the Pensioner Concession Card to reach those most at risk of hardship

• Freezing and reforming deeming rates so they reflect actual returns and treat savings fairly

• Exempting employment income from the pension income test, allowing older Australians to work without penalty

• Protecting superannuation flexibility, so people can use their savings in a way that suits their needs

• Supporting Australia Post to provide face-to-face banking services, especially in regional and rural areas

• Taking real action on insurance affordability, including scrapping unfair taxes and stabilising premiums through stronger government oversight

Upholding dignity, safety and rights in later life

• Sustainable funding for elder abuse prevention services, including in regional areas

• Introducing a Federal Human Rights Act to protect older people from discrimination and abuse

• Establishing a Minister for Older Australians to coordinate policy and elevate the voices of seniors in national decision-making.

“An estimated 650,000 older Australians are affected by abuse each year - and the true number is likely even higher,” Caz said. “We cannot stay silent on this. We need action at every level to protect the rights and wellbeing of older people.” 

See more here: Taking a stand against elder abuse

In addition to these practical commitments, Caz has made further commitments that would be critical to protecting the dignity, economic autonomy and health of older Australians. 

Aged care reform

Caz has just released a detailed aged care policy calling for urgent reform - supporting:

• A substantial increase in funding for aged care facilities and community services

• Better pay and working conditions to address the aged care workforce shortage

• Stronger oversight and accountability for care providers

Caz has also lent her support for the full implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, and committed to working to ensure these recommendations are fully implemented if elected. 

See more here: Fixing aged care

Regional healthcare investment

• Greater federal investment in rural and regional health services

• Improved access to GPs, mental health, palliative and community care

• A substantial boost to Home Care Packages, so older Australians can age safely at home and not be forced into residential care due to lack of support

• Adding dental to Medicare for older Australians

Caz also supports a full Productivity Commission review of the private health system, to rein in rising out-of-pocket costs and ensure value for older Australians managing chronic health conditions.  See more here: Better healthcare close to home

Affordable and secure housing

Not enough people are seeing that the housing crisis is not just being felt by younger people. Indeed, it is becoming particularly acute for older Australians. Caz supports:

• Building more social and affordable housing, with targeted support for older people.

• The removal of tax settings and rules that penalise people for moving out of the family home into something smaller and more suitable, such as negative impacts on pension entitlements and liabilities for Capital Gains Tax.

• Ensuring age-friendly housing options are available close to services and communities people already know.

See more here: A home for all of us

Improved digital access and mobile connectivity

Caz is campaigning to eliminate mobile blackspots and improve internet services across Cowper. For many older Australians, particularly those living alone or in rural areas, reliable phone and internet access is essential for safety, healthcare access and staying socially connected.

See more here: Mobile and internet services that work

Childcare and unpaid care work

Caz supports expanding access to childcare and early learning, while also recognising that many grandparents are taking on large amounts of unpaid care due to service gaps. 

See more here: Accessible, affordable childcare

Disability care and inclusive services

The disability system is failing too many people - especially older Australians living with disability or chronic illness. Caz supports major reform of the sector to ensure services are truly inclusive, properly funded and delivered with dignity and respect. 

Everyone deserves access to the support they need to live independently, safely and with autonomy.

See more here: Disability care that puts people first

These commitments reflect Caz’s deep belief that older Australians should be treated with dignity, respect and fairness.