State election March 2017: With the state election just over the horizon, the Fremantle Herald takes a look at some of the policy announcements affecting seniors. 

THE WA Greens are taking the establishment of a policy unit for ageing as a major seniors’ platform heading into the March 11 election.

The unit would develop and implement policies for seniors across the whole of government.

Seniors ministry

The Greens say they’d also create a stand-alone seniors ministry, saying there’s so many important issues facing Australia’s ageing population that they don’t deserve to be lumped in with volunteering, as is the case under the Barnett government.

The Greens are also committed to providing suitable and affordable accommodation, both public and social for seniors, including those in regional areas, which would go hand-in-hand with appropriate support services so they can stay in their own homes.

“The Greens (WA) will initiate and support legislation and actions that work with the building industry to adopt the standards of universal design for accessibility, adaptability and environmental sustainability for all residential construction,” the party told the Herald in a statement.

It would also look at allocating Royalties for Regions funding to increase the availability of housing for seniors.

The Greens say they’re also looking at ways to encourage the construction industry to keep the country’s ageing population in mind when designing homes.