Independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie has formally moved a Private Members Motion calling on the government to establish a portfolio for older Australians.

The post would be similar to the Minister for Youth, the Minister for Women, and Minister for Multicultural Affairs. Currently, Health Minister Mark Butler also serves as Minister for Aged Care.

The number of people aged over 65 years in Australia is anticipated to grow from 4.31 million in 2021 to 6.66 million by 2041, according to Ms Sharkie.

The number of those aged over 85 years is expected to grow by 140 per cent from 534,000 to 1.28 million over the same timeframe.

Ms Sharkie met last year with Prime Minister Albanese, the Independent MP for Kennedy, Bob Katter and Mr Ross Glossop, Chair of the National Seniors Australia Board, to ask that the growing impacts and contributions of older people and issues affecting them be managed in a strategic, holistic and inclusive way, by a new Minister for Older Australians. 

“We have good data on the experiences of our older Australians now, and the shape of our population in years to come. It's what we do now with that knowledge, to plan for the future, which will be vital," Ms Sharkie says.

"Many of my constituents in Mayo and other older Australians report experiencing age discrimination, elder abuse, financial stress and homelessness. Reports of elder abuse are growing, employment age discrimination is reported by one in five of those aged over 65 years, and those pensioners who would like to work face barriers such as inaccessible Services Australia online and telephone systems."

"Creation of a portfolio and Minister for Senior Australians would enable older people to better engage with the policy-makers on a wide range of matters, not limited to aged care. 

“It is also an opportunity to reframe the narrative, beyond a view of older generations as a burden to be cared for, to rather recognise them as the builders of our nation and among our greatest assets."