All the key election issues that matter to Primetimers—broken down and analysed just for you!
With Shane Wright the Senior Economics Correspondent for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
It’s time to talk about the upcoming federal election. While we’re all still waiting for it to be officially called, once it happens, things will move fast. In this episode, we break down the big issues that matter to midlifers and retirees—because with around 50% of voters over 50, older Australians are going to be important voters.
Joining me is Shane Wright, the Senior Economics Correspondent for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald. He’s got a deep understanding of both the historical and current political landscape, and he doesn’t hold back when it comes to calling things as he sees them. We didn’t always see eye to eye in this discussion—which makes for a much more interesting conversation for you!
LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE OF THE PODCAST HERE:
Highlights of this episode:
Superannuation stability – Will either party promise certainty instead of constant tweaks?
Cheaper & more accessible financial advice – What happened to the government’s promise?
The economy – How will each party tackle inflation, interest rates, and cost-of-living pressures for midlifers?
Retirement education – We’ve built a strong super system, but are people getting the knowledge they need to use it properly?
Housing & rent assistance – Will the government step up to help older Australians struggling with rental costs?
Downsizing penalties – Why are retirees financially penalised for moving to smaller homes, and will anyone fix it?
Medicare & bulk billing – What are both parties doing to make healthcare genuinely affordable?
Deeming rate hikes – What happens when the freeze lifts in mid-2025, and will Labor make it a campaign issue?
Everyday issues – Healthcare services, youth crime, regional infrastructure, and soaring electricity costs—will the election even touch them?
Party strategies – What will Labor and the Coalition run their campaigns on, and will retirees or pre-retirees be a focus?
Plenty to unpack here, and we’d love to hear your thoughts after you’ve listened to the episode! What do you think should be the most important issue for pollies this election? And what do you think they’ll leave alone?
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If you’re keen to join this program be sure to get your booking in. We’re only offering the earlybird deal on the first 100 people.
Until next week, make your Prime Time count!
And as always, you can reach me at bec@primetimers.net—I love hearing from you, whether it’s a tip, a question, or something I can help with.
Many thanks! Bec Wilson
Author, podcast host, columnist, retirement educator, and guest speaker
Hi Bec,
I listened with interest to the latest podcast. However, I take issue with Shane's comments regarding the inflation impacts on older Australians. He assumes that older Australians have the same spending patterns as young Australians. However, this is not true as one ages items that once cost nothing i.e. you did them yourself now cost you money e.g. lawn mowing and garden maintenance, window cleaning, house painting and maintenance, plumbing and electrical repairs, house cleaning, home care assistance, prepared meals. The other major inflation component are medical interactions, GP, dermatologist (skin checks and BCC removal), Sleep studies and specialists, ENT specialists, leg and arm specialists for shoulders, knees and hips, heart and lung specialists. These are not required in one's younger years but life in older age is marked by medical appointments of one type or another. If one looks at the inflation rates on these items they are above most inflation markers. I bet you're really pleased I gave you all these things to look forward to.
Regards,
Ian Kilpatrick
One of the benefits of getting older is to look at the bigger picture, hopefully bringing some wisdom to your view of life, and finding meaning in issues that are bigger then just oneself. Maybe their is a corresponding need to resist the shrinking of your world, so that you become focused only on issues that affect you directly, and particularly those that affect your hip pocket. Hoping to see the world become a better, safer place for those I will leave behind, I will be voting on the issue of climate change.