Cost of Living Archives

Planning Ahead for Seniors (Mildura, VIC)

10:30am, 23 March 2023, Mildura Sporting Precinct (684 Deakin Ave, Mildura, VIC, 3500)

Join Gary Ferguson from Seniors Rights Victoria and learn how to protect your rights as you grow older. Gary will also explore practical ways to plan for the future in this interactive session. Light refreshments and a free ‘Take Control’ resource kit will be available on the day.

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COTA Victoria responds to sharp rise in power bills

16 March 2023

COTA Victoria is very concerned by a massive rise in the Victorian Default Offer (VDO) and its potential impact on older Victorians. While the VDO is not meant to be the best available price to consumers, more needs to be done to ensure older people can access and receive the support that they need

COTA Victoria Strategic Plan 2023-2025

15 February 2023, COTA Publication

Our COTA Victoria Strategic Plan 2023-2025 will ensure we can continue to support older Victorians over the next three years and beyond. The Strategic Plan clearly defines our pathway for the future, and is based on our positive and pragmatic perspective of ageing in Victoria. It is based around fo

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Priorities for older Victorians: Submission for the Victorian State Budget 2023-2024

10 February 2023, COTA Submissions

In this document, COTA Victoria is providing a key list of funding initiatives that warrant serious consideration across Victorian Government portfolios. We have focussed on four priorities that require timely attention over the next year – in the 2023-24 Victorian State Budget and beyond.

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What’s in the budget for older Victorians?

15 May 2022

Victoria’s budget was handed down in early May. There are some wins for older Victorians – but also major gaps. Our Policy and Advocacy team has the rundown on the measures across health, transport, housing, aged care, cost of living, elder abuse, and digital and social inclusion.

Victorian State Budgets

Review of the Victorian Retirement Villages Act

15 May 2022

The retirement villages industry has changed, introducing new risks and challenges for residents. Now, the Victorian Government is reviewing the law on retirement villages to address shortcomings in the sector and foster innovation.

retirement villages, Retirement Villages Act

Apply today for the $250 Power Saving Bonus

6 December 2021

Are you paying too much for your electricity? A simple check could earn you $250 dollars right now and much more over time. As a special incentive to check your bill, the Victorian Government has introduced the $250 Power Saving Bonus for eligible concession holders.

$250 Victorian Power Saving Bonus

Payment Difficulty Framework Review: Response to Key Questions

29 November 2021, COTA Submissions

Many older people live on fixed incomes that require great care in budgeting. The Council on the Ageing State of the Older Nation, 2021 survey identified that 16% of those surveyed were experiencing difficulties paying their bills. The number one item on the list was electricity or gas at 9%

Payment Difficulty

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Review of the Retirement Villages Act

13 August 2021

We hear often from older people with concerns about retirement villages, from confusing contracts through to trouble accessing aged care. With Victoria’s retirement villages legislation up for review, COTA Victoria is calling for a system that protects the rights of older people and meets their

Retirement Villages Act

Saving money on your energy bills

13 August 2021

To encourage people to shop around and get the best deal on their energy bills, the Victorian Government has introduced a $250 Power Saving Bonus for eligible concession holders. All you need to do is a simple bill comparison exercise on the Victorian Energy Compare website.

energy bills, Saving money, Victorian Energy Compare