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                 Reader Feedback is appreciated.  
 
One of the things that really concern you as an editor is lack of feedback.  You wonder ‘does anyone really read this stuff?’ until the email starts to pop up feedback.
 
I don’t know how many thousands read BONZA LIFE overall but the ones that take the time to email me are truly worthy Boomers.
 
As mentioned on the BONZA Home Page on our website this month, I was criticized by a reader last month for not highlighting government inaction about Ageing Australia and the affects on all of us.
 
The suggestion was that I am ‘pro-government’ and not hammering them about the lack of support for Boomers.
 
For those who did not read the Home Page Updates or my Blog comments on BONZA, I pointed out to our subscriber that the Intergenerational Reports were released by successive governments attempting to warn us about the influence of Boomers on our lives in the coming five decades and they were issued by both major political parties.
 
Our intention is to inform Boomers so they can make decisions based on fact about their futures.
 
Another reader from Hervey Bay (B-Known cover the BONZA newsletter in their newspaper- thanks editor Paul Russo) reminded me that in 1946 the Chifley Government introduced a 7.5% tax levy to be collected from us all for future social welfare.
 
It used to be on our tax returns until 1968 when it disappeared but is still collected today she maintains. She wondered why that would not guarantee us all an aged pension.
 
Perhaps a government member could answer that for our readers.
 
Finally, the Open Letter to Employers last month drew some phone calls from mature age job seekers who were finding it difficult for employers to take them seriously.
 
There are 5 million people over 55 in this country who have given up work because many have given up hope that employers will take them seriously. What a waste of skills.
 
Finally, the government this week released some research by the National Seniors organisation that suggested Grandparent Leave in the future so older workers could look after grandchildren in need of support.
 
A grandparent liaison officer at Centrelink has also been suggested and well received.
 
So in conclusion, Mature Age Policies are a must in the workplace and employers should look in our advocacy list below that will allow them to start developing their policy for their workplace with the input of their mature age workers.
 
BONZA would be keen to assist so contact us if we can be of any help.
 
Enjoy the cooler months and keep having a BONZA life.
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE:
BONZA advocates for:
1. Mature Age Leave for over 50s so they can have some quality time out from their workplace and freshen up doing interest things.
2. Over 50s need a separate government office, Maturelink, to highlight the importance of Mature Age looking to Move Forward in life not plan for retirement only in our older years. This is even more essential now we have to work to 67.
3. A need for incentives from government for families to build granny flats for the aged care of family members at home. A family approach to an Ageing Australia in line with European and Asian cultures.
4. A need for Community Health Clinics that the aged can attend and not clog the hospital system just as we had some priority at birth due to our numbers.
5. A strong community based program for aged to take an interest in the local community through supporting schools, group exercising, supporting welfare groups and strong social clubs for the aged.
6. Government incentives to allow us to retain/build assets so that we can support ourselves more as we age.
7. Developments of the Uni of the Third Age so that minds are kept active through study and research.
8. Break Centrelink up into a smaller office. Aged Pension to Retirement Offices, Familes to Medicare (completely), Disabled to revamped CRS offices, Youth to Youthlink (could be in Centrelink with Maturelink so mentor roles are easier) and Newstart to Job Network who could also pay them when there is compliance with job seeking.
9. Skills for the Bush project. A database of jobs available in Regional Australia set up through Local Govt so that over 50s can work their way around Australia. This would fit in well with the Mature Age Leave concept.
10. A Mature Age Policy for every workplace so employers can offer loyal staff some incentive to keep going. They will need their skills as the skill shortage approaches.
11. A referendum to decide whether euthanasia should be part of Australian life.
Lots to do folks so let’s get on with it and have a BONZA LIFE!
 
Brian Murphy
Editor
BONZA
www.bonza.com.au
 

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