Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria and Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) celebrate the announcement of the Senior Victorians Advisory Committee, and emphasise its importance in ensuring Victoria continues to be a place where older people can age well.
As announced today by the Minister for Ageing, Ingrid Stitt, the committee will be comprised of up to eight members of the community alongside four members from sector bodies, providing advice on the needs and rights of older Victorians, and to inform government priorities and programs.
“The Victorian Government should be congratulated on making sure the voice of older Victorians is once again contributing to its work,” said Acting CEO, Ben Rogers.
“Since the departure of the Commissioner for Senior Victorians in May last year, COTA Victoria, Seniors Rights Victoria, and other representative bodies in this state have advocated for older Victorians to be properly represented in government thinking.
“The commissioner was an extremely vital conduit between community and the Victorian government, and we are excited to see this new committee fill that void and provide an opportunity for older Victorians to inform policy development that impacts them in the state.”
That said, the committee has its work cut out for it, Mr Rogers continued.
“Following the appointment of its 12 members, the committee needs to get to work to fulfill its promise to deliver policy outcomes that benefit older Victorians, and make sure ‘ageing well’ is a reality and not some words on a page,” he said.
“After a budget that left many crucial needs of older people unaddressed, it’s heartening to see the establishment of a committee that’s sole purpose is to stand up for the rights and interests of older Victorians and help us to age well.
“The state is ageing, and that will bring about distinct needs and changes. Older Victorians need to be at the heart of all decisions by the Victorian Government, rather than an afterthought.”
COTA Victoria and SRV are committed to supporting the Committee with its key function and role and look forward to contributing to its work.
Those interested in applying for the committee can learn more about the role on the Seniors Online website. Applications close on 2 July.
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Further information
Steve Wright
Marketing and Communications Manager
Telephone: +61 3 9655 2159
Email: swright@cotavic.org.au
About us
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria is the leading not-for-profit organisation representing the interests and rights of people aged over 50 in Victoria. For over 70 years, we have led government, corporate and community thinking about the positive aspects of ageing in the state.
Today, our focus is on promoting opportunities for and protecting the legal rights of people 50+. We value ageing and embrace its opportunities for personal growth, contribution, and self-expression. This belief drives benefits to the nation and its states alongside communities, families, and individuals.
Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV) is a program of COTA Victoria and the key state-wide service dedicated to advancing the rights of older people and the early intervention into, or prevention of, elder abuse in our community.
SRV has a team of experienced advocates, lawyers, and social workers who provide free information, advice, referral, legal advice, legal casework, and support to older people who are either at risk of or are experiencing elder abuse. SRV supports and empowers older people through the provision of legal advice directly to the older person.