COTA Australia is concerned that the reported increase in crime rates for people over 65 may be due to them struggling to survive on low pensions and falling incomes from superannuation and other sources.
Criminality by Australians over 65 years of age rose across the country, with theft the mostly likely type of crime to be committed by older Australians.
Jo Root, National Policy Manager of COTA Australia, said the increase in part was a result of the low pension rates that meant older Australians simply couldn’t keep up with the cost of living, forcing them to commit crime simply to survive.
“These results are extremely unfortunate and reflect the sad reality that for many Australians in retirement, once they have paid their rent and their bills, have no money left over for food and to maintain any quality of life,” Ms Root said.
“The most common crime committed by older Australians is theft, highlighting that many are using crime as a way of surviving.
“Pension payments need to be increased to help older Australians increase the cost of living.
“We are also concerned that while not reflected in these figures, Australians aged between 55 and 65 who are not yet eligible for the pension but are unable to find employment are doing it even tougher. Newstart payments for these Australians are just $35 a day, $133 less per week compared to the age pension – which is not enough for anyone to live off.
“However, it’s important to recognise that despite the increase, that most older Australians are law abiding citizens, with less than 1 per cent of older Australians committing crime.”
Media contact: Jo Root 0430 395 048, Anastasia Stomo 043 224 3389
