The Hodgman Liberal Government welcomes the Federal Attorney - General’s announcement earlier this week of a new national elder abuse peak body and an online Knowledge Hub, which will better protect the rights of older Australians and help all states to collaborate and share resources - bringing support services and information together into the one place.
Despite the historical lack of funding and support provided under the previous Labor-Green Government, the Hodgman Government has spent in excess of $1.25 million since coming into Government for the prevention of elder abuse. In 2017-18 alone, we are funding almost $300,000 on continuing the Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy: Protecting Older Tasmanians from Abuse, the Elder Abuse Helpline through Advocacy Tasmania, the Elder Abuse is Not Okay Campaign, and Elder Abuse Prevention strategies through COTA.
The Tasmanian Government has a strong working relationship with the Council on the Ageing (COTA) and Advocacy Tasmania in raising community awareness, delivering information and training, and providing services which support our older persons.
Unlike the previous Labor-Green Government who did not recognise the importance of providing ongoing financial support for vulnerable older Tasmanians, we have also prioritised investment to support Tasmanian seniors with $346,000 towards COTA, Seniors Week, and to help kick-start Tasmania’s Active Ageing Plan.
With the Budget back in balance, the Hodgman Government will continue to invest in programs that ensure older Tasmanians are supported and protected from abuse - demonstrating our strong, ongoing commitment to raise public awareness of elder abuse and prevention.
Older Tasmanians make a vital, positive contribution towards the social and economic well-being of Tasmania, which is why we will continue to invest in support services to ensure older Tasmanians are protected now and into the future.