From the CEO’s desk

The following is an extract from the CEO's column in the Christmas edition of 'news & muse'.

The recent Ageing & Disability forum "Living with the need for change..." is featured in a separate article within this publication and it is not my intention to repeat the report made there. However there are several very relevant issues that were made so glaringly obvious by the forum.

Firstly, the level of registration and interest exceeding one hundred in a small state like Tassie. This response level would be welcomed in much bigger centres, particularly at this very busy time of the year. It is a strong indication of the level of interest/concern/commitment and demand for service of which the Federal and State governments should take note.

The second point relates to the comments made by the Hon Bill Shorten, Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Children’s Services. He acknowledged to the audience that the Government has made little progress over the past two years in this important area. Bill is the strongest high profile advocate throughout the federal political arena advancing the Government’s policy and action agenda in regard to people with a disability.

While acknowledging the recent important announcements made by the Prime Minister, Bill also spoke honestly of his disappointment at the failure by the Government to act in addressing the needs of people with a disability who are ageing. The opportunities clearly are available if the federal and State Ministers would only move beyond the mindset that is ‘it is a very complex issue..’.

Thirdly, the evidence exists to validate anecdotal information that the demand for services by people with a disability who are ageing is there; and is increasing rapidly. How long can the evidence and the many personal stories of individuals be ignored? Oakdale Services has been pursuing this issue for well over ten years and will continue to do so.

My final point on this issue (but only for this edition!!) is that this is a matter of citizenship. Access to the funding regimes that are available to other eligible citizens are not available to people with a disability who live in supported accommodation ... because it is deemed to be double dipping.

Responsibility shifting, underpinned by cost shifting, has the effect of making this issue a Federal/State jurisdictional game of ping pong rather than being accepted as a joint responsibility or, more positively, a Federal/State opportunity! As we head into 2010 the opportunities that a New Year will bring are presented to us. One clearly exists, as Tasmania prepares to head to the polls in March; to raise with every politician and aspiring politician the issue of people with a disability who are ageing. It is our issue and will continue to be the issue of people with a disability who are ageing and who are "Living with the need for change...." We need to make it an issue for the politicians too!