More information to help senior Australians

To coincide with Seniors Week 2005 in New South Wales and Victoria a comprehensive set of fact sheets highlighting the range of Government services and programs available to older people, will now be available for senior Australians.

The Minister for Family and Community Services, Senator Kay Patterson, today launched the fact sheets as part of the Howard Government’s continued commitment to ensuring senior Australians are aware of, and have access to, all available support.

“The fact sheets provide valuable information on options available for seniors including financial information, participation in the community, staying healthy, accommodation choices, lifestyle matters and support for individuals, carers and grandparents,” Senator Patterson said.

Senator Patterson also plans to consult later in the year with peak senior groups, volunteering and key community groups, to discuss a range of issues relevant to seniors, particularly around community participation, volunteering and mentoring.

The consultations will provide an opportunity for direct community feedback on seniors’ policy and input into further development, which will help ensure senior Australians continue to lead satisfying, productive and healthy lives.

“The assistance outlined in the fact sheets and the proposed consultations with seniors’ groups demonstrate the Howard Government’s continued commitment to older Australians who have made, and will continue to make, a strong contribution in our society,” Senator Patterson concluded.

The fact sheets will be distributed to key community groups, and can be downloaded from this page.

Copies of the fact sheets can also be obtained by calling the Department of Family and Community Services on 1800 050 009.