Policy Development & Research
As the voice of seniors in Western Australia and a member of COTA Australia, our national organisation, COTA (WA) provides advice and assistance to government through regular meetings, submission and letter writing and media work.
Our Policy Committee meets monthly to discuss the current state of play at the State and Federal levels and develop policy positions that are relayed to government.
Our Policy Officer undertakes research and consultation with seniors and seniors’ organisations to ensure that we provide evidence-based policy positions that are up to date and relevant to seniors. We also host policy briefings to inform interested individuals and organistaions about the latest policy developments.
Our representatives on the COTA Over 50’s National Policy Council are actively involved in discussing national policy issues. View our national policies at: http://www.cotaaustralia.org.au/
Representation on a range of external committees also provides an opportunity for gathering knowledge and publicizing our policies.
COTA WA's Policy Positions, Submissions & Research
Below are a list of COTA WA's policy positions on a range of topics. Click the links below to view the full policy position or submission;
2012-2013 Budget Submission to the State Government
COTA National Policy Newsletters
COTA National Policy Newsletter No 5, September 2011
Employment and Workers Compensation
- 'The Ageing Workforce'- Chief Executive Ken Marston's presentation at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry lunch.
Submission to WorkCover on ageism and workers compensation
Government Concessions
- COTA WA's response to the State Government Concessions Review - Administration and Management.
Health & Aged Care
- Aged Care Reforms
- Notes from February 2011 Policy Briefing
- Caring for Older Australians: COTA's Response to the Draft Recommendations- Jo Root, COTA Australia National Policy Officer
- Issues for Western Australian Seniors- Bettine Heathcote, COTA WA Policy Committee
- COTA National Policy Alert #1- Commonwealth Aged Care Reform and COTA's response
- Submission to the Education and Health Standing Committee- A review of WA's current and future Hospital and Community Health Care Services.
Housing
Social Isolation and Loneliness
- Seniors' Social Isolation: A Scoping Study- A report commissioned by COTA WA to highlight everyday issues that affect seniors' participation in community life in order to appreciate the degree of prevalence of seniors' social isolation in Western Australia.
- Social Isolation and Seniors: Summary of Policy and Program Responses- COTA WA Policy recommendations based upon the 'Seniors Social Isolation: A Scoping Study Report.
Budget Submissions and Election Papers
Taxation
- COTA National Policy Alert #2- Response to the Henry Review in to Australia's Tax System.
Technology
- Where Do I Begin: Females and the Internet- COTA WA research, funded by the Australian Communications Consumers Action Netwrok (ACCAN), examining the internet usage of females over 65 years. The report also makes several recommendations relating to this area.
Utilities
- Response to the Utilities Essential Services Hardship Public Issues Discussion Paper.