Elder Abuse: Tasmania Govt Accused of Failing on Elder Abuse Prevention (Tas. Australia)

BARTLETT GOVERNMENT FAILING ON ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION
Labor Fiascos a Higher Priority than Pro-Active Governance
By Cassy O'Connor MP
29th October 2008

(Media Release)
For Comment: State Parliamentary Offices of the Tasmanian Greens, (03) 6233 8300

The Tasmanian Greens today expressed their concern over the rising incidence of Elder Abuse in Tasmania and condemned the Bartlett Government for failing to provide specialist funding, and for failing to keep up with other Australian jurisdictions in developing effective and enforceable strategies to reduce Elder Abuse.

Greens Shadow Health spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP said a recent forum on Elder Abuse at the Glenorchy Civic Centre heard that an estimated 3000 – 4000 Tasmanians are currently victims of Elder Abuse, and that this is expected to double to 6000 – 8000 cases by 2020.
“The Greens are deeply concerned that the current law and policy settings in Tasmania do not adequately protect our vulnerable elderly citizens from being beaten, neglected or exploited in their own homes, usually by their carers or family members,” Ms O’Connor said.
“Thousands of Tasmanians are currently suffering from physical and financial abuse yet the Bartlett Government seems to be too busy sorting out its own internal fiascos to ensure Tasmanian law and policies protect these most vulnerable Tasmanians.”

“The Government should stop concentrating on the debacles caused by its own Members and bring Tasmania into line with the rest of Australia in confronting this issue and ensuring better protection for senior Tasmanian citizens who deserve to feel safe in their own homes.”

Abridged
SOURCE: Green Org Tas. Australia
----------------------------------------------------

Click for Updats, More Cases and Resources