What over 60s want the government focusing on as the election draws near

With the Federal Election just days away, Australians are paying close attention to the issues that will influence their vote—particularly those that affect their day-to-day lives.

For older Australians, the key priorities are clear. According to the Starts at 60 Community Survey 2025, the top concerns they want the government to address include access to quality healthcare and medical services (88.7 per cent), affordable housing and the rising cost of living (72.6 per cent), and improved aged care services and facilities (70.3 per cent).

Beyond these key issues, the survey also highlighted several other areas where older Australians are calling for government action:

• Pension and retirement support – 69.7 per cent.

• Mental health services and support – 50.7 per cent.

• Public transportation and infrastructure improvements – 48.3 per cent.

• Tax reform and financial planning for seniors – 45.7 per cent.

• Environmental sustainability and climate action – 42.9 per cent.

• Support for family caregivers – 37.7 per cent.

• Strengthening community and social connections – 37.1 per cent.

• Job opportunities and retraining for older workers – 31.7 per cent.

In addition to Starts at 60 Community Survey 2025, recent polling commissioned by COTA Australia reveals that older voters are prioritising basic day-to-day expenses — groceries, energy bills, and healthcare — when deciding who gets their vote. 

Top election concerns for older Australians include:

• Cost of groceries and essentials is the leading concern for Australians aged 50 and over. 61 per cent rank it in their top three issues, while nearly 31 per cent say it’s their single most important concern.
• Energy costs come in second, with 43 per cent placing them high on their priorities.
• Healthcare and medicines follow closely, with 35 per cent of older Australians listing them as a key issue.
• Housing is also on the radar, especially for older renters. Nearly half (49 per cent) of older Australians who rent say housing cost and availability is of major concern.
• Ageism remains a persistent issue, with 57 per cent of older Australians seeing it as a problem in society. 60 per cent believe a national plan is needed to tackle it, and 30 per cent say they’ve personally experienced ageism in the past five years — a number that rises to 40 per cent among those facing serious financial hardship.

COTA Australia CEO Patricia Sparrow says the results are a clear message to all parties: older Australians expect meaningful action.

“We know cost of living pressures are hurting people of all ages, and older people are no different. The top three issues older voters will have on their minds when they’re standing at the ballot box are all cost of living related,” Sparrow said.

“We’ve already seen some good cost of living measures announced by our politicians, but we’re looking forward to seeing more including on things like the introduction of a Seniors Dental Benefit Scheme and targeted housing support.”

As older Australians grapple with these concerns, they now have just days to decide which party will best address these challenges, following Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s announcement that the Federal Election will be held on May 3.

Albanese will be aiming to secure back-to-back victories, hoping to become the first prime minister since John Howard to win consecutive elections. Meanwhile, Peter Dutton will be striving to lead the coalition back to power after just one term in opposition, with hopes of becoming Australia’s 32nd prime minister.