Jill Hall (Shortland, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Shortland is one of the oldest electorates in Australia. I am constantly being made aware of the issues that are important to those older residents within the electorate. It is very important that as a government and as a nation we ensure the safety and security of older Australians, and that we take account of the fact that older Australians need financial security and safe housing.

The issue I wanted to raise today is that 15 June this year is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Around the world older people are being subjected to psychological financial and physical abuse, and on 15 June we turn our minds to that issue globally. Unfortunately there are many stereotypes and prejudicial attitudes towards older people and towards this issue. We need to re-examine how we as a society look at older people. We need to value their contributions to our society both past and present. I am sure members of this House are aware that older Australians are constantly making a contribution to our society, be through family support or volunteerism. It is a frightening fact that around the world five per cent of the 542 million seniors have experienced some form of elder abuse. That is taking place in our society as well and as members of parliament it is an issue that we need to raise and be aware of. We need to understand that we must act in our country and work towards seeing that this elder abuse stops. Bullying and maltreatment of older people can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. It is important that we get behind this national day of elder abuse and it is important that we as a country support and acknowledge the contribution of our older Australians and that we do not target them and marginalise them in any way but respect and honour their contributions to our country and offer them financial security and safety when they need it.