PDF printable version of Minister for Ageing Statement on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (PDF 30 KB)
15 June 2008
Australian Minister for Ageing, Mrs Justine Elliot took the opportunity on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to remind older Australians that they are entitled to the full protection of the law whether in their homes or nursing homes.
Mrs Elliot said her focus as the minister responsible for aged care was to ensure that older Australians in residential aged care received their rightful protection to a safe and secure environment.
She said she recognised that the aged care sector was responding and cited Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA). It offers training in protecting older people and offers assistance on working through police checks for its membership.
Last year, Aged and Community Services Australia also released policies and procedures to assist their members on elder protection.
“I am proud to support the aims of World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day and want to work in partnership with aged care providers to protect frail older Australians,” Mrs Elliot said.
“The Federal Government takes the care and welfare of senior Australians very seriously - and we are always looking at ways to improve and enhance protection for the elderly.
“Increasing awareness about the mistreatment of the elderly is an important step in the prevention of such abuse.
“Make no mistake, I have no time for anyone who abuses or neglects our society’s most vulnerable members,” Mrs Elliot said.
Earlier this year, Mrs Elliot announced a range of tough measures to improve quality to protect frail and older Australians.
From 1 July 2008, the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency has been instructed to undertake a record 7000 announced and unannounced visits to aged care homes across the nation to ensure compliance with quality standards.
Other measures the Australian Government has taken to strengthen the protection of residents in aged care homes include:
- Expanding the requirement for staff to undergo police checks;
- Strengthening the powers of the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency - the independent agency which accredits aged care facilities;
- Requiring clinical staff to check on actual residents in a facility as a part of their investigations; and
- Reviewing the Aged Care Act to close loopholes and/or make improvements to quality in aged care.
Last week, Mrs Elliot visited the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales where she launched an education campaign to reduce the abuse of older people.
Mrs Elliot said: “Locally-driven campaigns backed by the Australian Government, like this one, are another great step forward in the care and protection of our older Australians.”
Mrs Elliot encouraged all Australians to consider the safety and wellbeing of older Australians.
“We each have a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of our seniors. We must remember that they built our nation and they deserve our care and respect.
“If you, or someone you know, is the victim of elder abuse, contact the police or the elder abuse prevention telephone line in your state or territory. (Phone numbers listed below)
“I am unapologetic about the tough measures. Australia’s aged care providers in Australia have nothing to fear from the Australian Government’s plans to protect and improve the lives of residents in aged care facilities.
“The overwhelming majority of aged care providers are providing top quality care for our nation’s elderly. I have seen world-class facilities and programs in every state and territory, but I have also seen areas where improvement is needed.
“I am confident that the aged care industry, and the many older Australians it serves, will see the longer term benefits of a more transparent and accountable aged care industry,” Mrs Elliot said.
If anyone has concerns about residential aged care there is a Commonwealth Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme. It is contactable on 1-800-550-552 (free call).
Facts on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was established by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in 2006 in support of the United Nations’ Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing.
The day aims to raise community awareness of elder abuse and recognises the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
Conferences and events will be held in Australia and across the globe, including a two-day conference in Canada hosted by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and its partners.
Elder Abuse Prevention, advocacy and information telephone: State and Territory
- ACT Elder Abuse Prevention Information Line 02 6205 3535
- NSW – Police Assistance Line 131 444
- NT - NT Health Services - 08 8999 2809
- QLD – Elder Abuse Prevention Unit 1300 651 192 or 07 3250 1955
- SA - Aged Rights Advocacy Service - 08 8232 5377 or 1800 700 600
- TAS – Department of Health and Human Services - 03 6233 8514
- VIC – Seniors’ Information Victoria 1300 135 090
- WA – Advocare Inc - 08 9479 7566 or 1800 655 566
For more information, contact Mrs Elliot's office on (02) 6277 7280
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