RESEARCH CAPABILITY THAT DRIVES THE AGENDA Where NSA distinguishes itself further is in its ability to generate evidence—quickly and credibly. NSA maintains an in-house research capability, enabling it to keep a constant finger on the pulse of older Australians’ experiences and priorities, and to translate that insight into reports and submissions that influence government, parliamentarians, regulators, and the media. That research capability becomes a tool of agendasetting: evidence is converted into policy proposals, media narratives, and practical recommendations that shape what is discussed and, ultimately, what is legislated. NSA also operates a dedicated platform for this work through the Productive Ageing Institute, which acts as an access point for research, submissions, and policy materials—supporting engagement with decision-makers and stakeholders beyond the member base. THE CAMPAIGN PORTFOLIO: CASH, CYBER SAFETY, AGED CARE—AND FIGHTING AGEISM NSA’s advocacy work spans a broad set of priorities, with several “evergreen” campaigns reflecting the persistent challenges older Australians face. A key theme is the fight against ageism, with a consistent focus on promoting the value of experience and the ongoing contribution older Australians make through work, caring responsibilities, volunteering, and community leadership. NSA also campaigns on issues such as pension poverty, cost of living, and fair settings that allow pensioners to work without punitive effective tax consequences—particularly when compared with how other cohorts are taxed. TWO MODERN PRESSURES FEATURE PROMINENTLY. The first is cyber safety and scams, where older Australians are often disproportionately targeted. NSA positions itself as a trusted guide—particularly in a time when misinformation, poor advice, and confident-sounding but incorrect online answers can cause real financial harm. The second is financial inclusion, including access to banking services such as cash, branches, and even credit cards. Grice notes that older Australians can find themselves excluded from basic financial products due to how systems assess income and employment status, even when they have assets and 72 BUSINESS VIEW OCEANIA VOLUME 08, ISSUE 02
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