It is widely distributed and highly regarded. As President I tramp the corridors of Parliament House leading delegations, with the National Executive Director and a COTA volunteer spokesperson. We visit Ministers, Shadow Ministers, key people in the minor parties and policy public servants. Talking in Canberra to decision makers and representing the views of older people is an important part of all policy work throughout the year. Older people as COTA representatives sit on many committees that advise government.
People are often surprised when they see the list in the annual report.
We are fortunate in having a pool of skilled older volunteers at both national and state level to take up issues. It advises COTA policy and meets with government ministers and policy advisers to discuss issues around retirement incomes and taxation. Some of the recent discussions have been about the deferred pension bonus plan, deeming rates, a universal pension versus means tested system. During the nursing home reforms COTA representatives on advisory committees worked on issues to do with funding and implementation, standards, complaints etc. COTA has actively tried to foster cooperation between the various sectors involved - providers, unions, other consumer groups and government.