Call For Commitments on Elder Abuse

Our Island Our Voices today launched the first of 15 policy action statements in the lead up to the 2010 state election, calling on all parties to commit to a whole of government strategy to address elder abuse.

“This is an issue that requires urgent attention. Tasmania is the only state in Australia without an elder abuse strategy and this is an issue that affects between three and four thousand Tasmanians” said Ken Hardaker CEO of Advocacy Tasmania.

“This issue requires a coordinated approach that incorporates a telephone hotline and public awareness campaign; information, referral and advocacy services; access to legal assistance; training for aged care workers; further Tasmanian research and law reform” COTA Tas CEO Maxine Griffiths said.

Darren Mathewson, Chief Executive Officer of Aged & Community Services Tasmania said “At a time when Tasmania has the fastest rate of population ageing in the nation, there is an urgent need to ensure that the most vulnerable elderly people in our community are offered adequate protection”.

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