The right to vote: An Australian perspective on the challenges of ageing in a democracy

Australian "exceptionalism" with respect to the implementation of human rightsnorms has been widely noted and frequently criticized.1 As the only developed Westernstate without a bill or statutory charter of rights, Australia stands in a unique position. InJaw, human rights tend to be marginalized, and yet, in policy terms, Australia hasadvanced a relatively comprehensive agenda to support its ageing population, includingwith respect to health, superannuation, the aged pension, and aged care services.Nonetheless, across Australia's nine jurisdictions (Australia being a federal state), thereare increasing calls for better and more explicit strategies for the protection of rights andfreedoms of older Australians.2 In the absence of a general chatter of rights in all but twoAustralian jurisdictions, advocates face the challenge of seemingly asking for specialtreatment for this population group, which by 2045, is expected to comprise more than25% of Australia's total population.