Michael O'Neill

Recent Speaker

Chief Executive - National Seniors Australia

September 22, 2010

"Ageing Matters"

This is the first address to the National Press Club by Mr O'Neill the Chief Executive of National Seniors Australia.

Michael O’Neill is the Chief Executive of National Seniors Australia. (NSA)

NSA has some 270,000 fee paying members Australia wide. It is Australia’s largest seniors group and has existed for some 34 years. Membership is open to people aged 50 and over

NSA provides members with social and community connection, access to a range of commercial services, a philanthropic Foundation and importantly a role as the representative body on issues affecting the over 50’s.

Michael O’Neill has been Chief Executive of National Seniors for 4 years. He came to NSA with extensive experience in the mining and agricultural industries. He was Chief Executive of the Australian Gold Council and previously led AgForce, Queenslands leading farm lobby group. He has also operated his own business as a consultant and in developing organic pest treatment products.


The ageing of Australia’s population comes into stark focus with the now regular release of Inter Generational reports prepared by Treasury.
What of the implications for individuals and society generally of the significant change in the population? What are the flash points for population change and how effective have Governments and  policy makers been in preparing responses? What lessons can be learnt from overseas?


National Seniors recently released a major report on the outlook for aged care which is damning of the failure of Governments over a decade to develop a sustainable plan for the future. But it is not just aged care, consider also the challenges of mature age employment, retirement income, health and discrimination policies. They are all part of the ageing debate.


Michael O’Neill is Chief Executive of National Seniors the largest organization for the over 50s in Australia. He will reflect on the outlook for the over 50s now and in the decades ahead.