The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to reducing ageism and preventing elder abuse so that older Tasmanians are respected, protected and cared for in our communities.
Today Tasmanians walked with the Council on The Ageing Tasmania (COTA) and other key stakeholders across Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD).
Held on the 15 June every year, we walk with people not only across the State, but also the nation, and indeed the world, to join together and raise awareness of this important issue.
The strong need for connection in communities is one of many learning outcomes of 2020, and it is the responsibility of everyone in the community to look out for our older neighbours, friends and relatives.
More than ever, across Tasmania, we all need to work together to support older Tasmanians, and we are proud to support the event held today by providing $100,000 annually to COTA to deliver peer education and awareness raising activities.
The Tasmanian Liberal Government has a range of measures to support older Tasmanians, and to ensure our whole of government Strong Liveable Communities: Tasmania’s Active Ageing Plan 2017-2022 strategy is reviewed, we are investing $125,000 to enable COTA Tasmania to start consultations on the review of the Plan.
Our new strategy will build on the success of our current Plan, which continues to support older Tasmanians and enable them to participate at all levels of our community.
Anyone experiencing elder abuse in Tasmania is encouraged to call the Tasmanian Elder Abuse Helpline on 1800 44 11 69.
The Respect and Protect Older Tasmanians: Tasmania’s Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy 2019-2022 is available here: https://www.communities.tas.gov.au/disability/projects/elder_abuse
As well as the Walks Against Elder Abuse in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie, COTA Tasmania is hosting other activities to raise awareness of this important issue. For more information go to https://www.cotatas.org.au/programs/elder-abuse-prevention/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day-weaad/
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