5 minutes with Kate Thwaites, Assistant Minister for Ageing

17 October 2024

Kate Thwaites is the Federal Member for Jagajaga in Melbourne's north-eastern suburbs and has served in the Parliament since 2019. She is the Assistant Minister for Social Security, Ageing and Women.

Find out why she pursued a career in government, what she sees as the biggest challenges facing older people and what positive ageing means to her.

What inspired you to pursue a career in government?

When I was growing up, my family was heavily involved in the community -- we were in lots of local groups and my dad was on the Council. As a result, I've always been really interested in people, their lives and how we build our communities. I initially took this passion into journalism where I really enjoyed holding politicians to account!

When I had the opportunity to work for Jenny Macklin, I saw firsthand the impact of nation-shaping policies, such the Paid Parental Leave scheme and the NDIS, and I realised that becoming a Member of Parliament was how I could make a real impact.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing older people in Australia?

Something I've been hearing consistently since I started in this role is that often older people don't feel respected in their interactions, and they don't feel heard. Ageism is very real and prevalent in Australia and it's something we all need to work on. We need to move beyond whatever stereotypes we might carry about older people and their abilities. We've got to recognise that older people have made their own decisions for many years quite capably. They have had agency over their own lives and that's not something that should just end at any age.

I am also aware that women can find themselves in a more precarious state than men as they age. Women retire, on average, four years earlier and with around 25 per cent less superannuation, and are more likely to be reliant on social security payments. They have unique health challenges and higher healthcare costs and are more often caring for someone -- having spent much of their lives caring for others.

And, of course, cost of living is an ongoing challenge for older people who are more likely to be on a fixed income. Our government has implemented a range of measures targeted to support older people, including ongoing indexation of the Age Pension to keep up with community living standards, raising the rate of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 45 per cent and keeping the costs of healthcare down for older people. I'll take this opportunity to encourage anyone who does not receive a Pensioner Concession Card to visit Services Australia and test their eligibility for the Commonwealth Seniors Health Card as we have significantly increased the threshold for this card.

What does 'ageing well' or 'positive ageing' mean to you?

It's important to acknowledge that there are different ways of ageing well and they are unique to everyone. Not all of us have to be living the white linen shirt and cruises lifestyle to be ageing well -- despite what the TV ads might tell you. Ageing well might be remaining active in the community or being fit enough to help look after the grandkids. It might mean continuing to work or happily hanging up your boots and enjoying a quieter pace. It might mean good health or good health management. We do know that positive ageing has a lot to do with feeling connected, so combating loneliness and creating opportunities for intergenerational connection is important.

As Assistant Minister for Ageing, I am very aware that people enter their later years with as diverse a range of experiences as they have lived their life thus far. Some will need more support than others and, as a government, we need to remain responsive to their changing needs.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I was pre-selected for Jagajaga when my daughter was 4 months old and she is now 6 and my son 3, so free time is not something I have had in recent memory! That said, I really enjoy being active and I prioritise my health as much for me as for my family. I love Pilates and walking and cooking when I have the time.

Find out more about Assistant Minister Kate Thwaites MP.