Cassy O'Connor, MP
Secretary To Cabinet, Tasmania, Australia
1 July 2010
More Detail on Elder Abuse Strategy
The Secretary to Cabinet, Cassy O’Connor, today outlined the key areas to be progressed by Tasmania’s first Elder Abuse Strategy.
Ms O’Connor told Budget Estimates Hearings today that $2.6 million had been allocated to the Strategy over the next four years to ensure a whole of government response to elder abuse.
“I am firmly committed to an Elder Abuse Strategy for Tasmania and today’s announcement outlines the key areas of action for Government in the four years ahead,” Ms O’Connor said.
“This Strategy is a first for Tasmania, however as a state we are catching up with the rest of Australia in terms of its development.
“Some of the responses planned are community education, a state-wide advocacy service, local telephone and information line and a state-wide counselling service.”
Ms O’Connor said that the key aim of the Strategy would be to raise awareness about the abuse of older people in the community and how it can be addressed to protect these vulnerable Tasmanians.
“Until society acknowledges that the abuse of the elderly is a very real and current problem, we cannot address it,” she said.
A community awareness campaign will be introduced, along with an education and training program for service providers.
A dedicated website is also planned to provide easy access to information and services related to older Tasmanians.
The Government will also undertake a comprehensive legislative review to determine how the law can better project vulnerable Tasmanians from elder abuse.
Ms O’Connor said another problem often faced by older people is knowing where to go for help when they are suffering from abuse.
“Too often, elderly Tasmanians are exploited by those they trust so the Strategy will establish an advocacy service to support older Tasmanians who raise claims of abuse.”
The Government will set up a referral and information telephone line which will channel claims through to the right service providers
The Strategy will also investigate the barriers that currently exist for older to access legal services, with the view to making the process easier.
“I look forward to working with groups with an interest in the prevention of elder abuse to ensure we are protecting those Tasmanians who in some cases need support to take back control of their lives,” Ms O’Connor said.
Further information: Tasmanian Government Communications Unit
Phone: (03) 6233 6573
SOURCE: Government of Tasmania, Media Release
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