The Tasmanian Greens today released their inclusive ageing policy, which invests $1.25 million into creating an inclusive and respectful society for older Tasmanians.

Greens Member for Denison and Spokesperson on Community Development, Cassy O’Connor MP, pledged the funding would be used to help keep older Tasmanians engaged, safe and included in the community.

The policy includes implementing the Inclusive Ageing Strategy, developing a “Learn for Your Life” campaign and continued funding for the Elder Abuse Helpline and awareness raising campaign.

“This policy is crucial to engaging older Tasmanians. More than 20 per cent of the population is aged 60 years and over, making the state’s median age the oldest and fastest ageing in the country,” Ms O’Connor said.

“This provides us with a fantastic opportunity to engage with, and harness the capacity of, older Tasmanians in our community.”

“The State’s Social Inclusion Strategy for Tasmania 2009 highlights the need to invest in a socially inclusive Tasmania, identifying many sectors of our community who can slip into the ‘at risk category’, which includes older Tasmanians.”

“Older Tasmanians can find themselves excluded from having a ‘fair go’ when it comes to maintaining social relationships, meaningful work opportunities, access to services, and involvement in decision making processes.”

The Policy includes:
• $250, 000 over two years from 2016 to implement the Inclusive Ageing Strategy. Also to build on peer education program to assist seniors maintain financial literacy.
• $500, 000 over four years to fund the development of a “Learn for Your Life” campaign, as advocated by TasCOSS.
• $500, 000 over four years to continue funding for the Elder Abuse Helpline and awareness raising campaign. Introduce a specific Elder Abuse Prevention Act to strengthen the existing state Strategy, and recent changes to the Guardianship and Administration Act 1995 as well as the Powers of Attorney Act 2000.

A copy of the policy is available to view or download here: http://tasmps.greens.org.au/content/tasmanian-greens-policy-initiative-31
Greens Member for Denison and Spokesperson on Community Development, Cassy O’Connor