THE VOICE - February 2011

1 February 2011 THE VOICE OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

THE

VOICEWinner of the 2009 Older People Speak Out Media Award - Seniors’ Newsletters

OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSWPrint Post Approved PP235387100064 ISSN 10353615 February 2011

NSW State Election 2011

LATE last year, CPSA sent its 2011 State Election priorities (below) to the Labor, Liberal and Greens parties seeking their response. We are yet to receive replies.

1. Permanent exclusion of the 2009 one-off Pension Reform rise of $30 per week from public & community housing rent calculations for single pensioners.

2. Reform of the Local Government Rate

Rebate for pensioners so that the rebate equals 50 per cent of rates charged. This rebate has not been indexed since 1993 and, as such, its value has been severely eroded. A first step to achieving a 50 per cent rate rebate would be to index the rebate in accordance with rate rises.

3. Reform the Local Government Pensioner Water Rebate so that all pensioners in NSW receive a water rebate equivalent

to that provided by Sydney Water, which covers 100% of the water service charge, 84% of wastewater service charges and 50% of the stormwater service charge. This rebate should be expanded to holders of the Low Income Healthcare Card.

4. Expand the Pensioner Water Rebate to pensioners residing in residential parks and manufactured home estates.

5. Expand eligibility of Energy Accounts Payment Assistance vouchers to residents of residential parks.

6. Expand tenant and consumer protections to boarders and lodgers, who are currently explicitly excluded from the Residential Tenancies Act 2010.

7. Abolish the Older Driver Test.

Continues page 5

Photos clockwise from top left by express000, Andy Wilkes, SplaTT and Alex E Proimos - flickr.com


CPSA Executive(as at 2.11.2010)

Grace Selway OAM PresidentBob JaySecretaryBetty ChamberlainTreasurerBill HollandSenior Vice PresidentAssistant TreasurerSue LatimerVice PresidentMargaret Craven-ScottAssistant SecretaryEdna KayPublications EditorBarbara WrightAssistant Publications EditorShirley BainsMarie Mihell George RayColin Vernon

THE VOICEOF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

Editor: Edna KayAssistant Editor: Barbara WrightPhone: (02) 9281 3588Fax: (02) 9281 9716Email: [email protected]: Charmaine Crowe & Antoine MangionPrinter: MPD, Unit E1, 46-62 Maddox Street, Alexandria NSW 2015All content prepared by the editorial and production team with reference to stories on AAP newswire, unless indicated.THE VOICECPSA, Level 9, 28 Foveaux StSurry Hils NSW 2010

Disclaimer

No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of information contained in advertisements or text supplied by other organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors.

CPSA does not support or promote the products or views in paid advertising.

LettersPower rip-offTHE power sell-off by the NSW Government will go down in history as the second betrayal, the result of which will affect those with serious health problems and the thousands of pensioners who are afraid to use the air conditioning for fear of not being able to pay for the crippling increase in power bills.

It is an act of disgusting greed, the money of which will go into the pockets of private companies and can cause the death of those most affected because of the heat. It is hoped that people power will be aroused enough to join those organisations that represent the low-income families already in crisis as well as the senior citizens organisations in Australia like CPSA and Council on the Ageing, both of which are non-profit organisations.

The monthly Senior newspaper is also an

advocate for seniors in their efforts to voice their anger to all politicians to get on their side and put their political differences aside before it causes us to slide into a Depression like the one that caused many suicides many years ago where human beings were living in tents and tin shacks and searching rubbish bins for food.

This un-Australian rip-off has to be stopped in the name of human decency. CPSA had already mounted a big demonstration in Macquarie Street a few weeks ago that attracted the attention of the media and deserves support.

Eric Di LosaPort Maquarie, NSW

Medically fit to drive?I REFER to the article on Page 11 of the January 2011 edition of The Senior. In reference to older drivers maintaining their driver licence after 65, 75, or

85 years of age, I would have this to say: I work in an aged care facility, where a person of greater than 80 years resides. This person has somehow convinced the relevant medical practitioner to sign an annual medical certificate, so that they may continue driving. Almost every staff member of the facility is disgusted with the system that allows this individual to remain on the road. The doctor who signs off on the certificate also prescribes very large doses of both long and short acting opiate based medication. The total doses involved are enough to induce a lengthy period of unconsciousness in most elderly people. In fact, the person concerned demands doses every four hours and further requires assistance with toileting and other tasks.

Donations, Bequests, Membership and THE VOICE subscriptions

Membership is open to all who support the aims and objectives of CPSA

I’d like to renew my Membership or join CPSA as a Member and enclose my individual Membership fee of $12 (Includes a free annual subscription to THE VOICE, valued at $25.00). Please send me information about my nearest Branch.

I do not wish to join CPSA but would like to subscribe to THE VOICE (1 year—$25.00 incl. GST).

I belong to an organisation and would like information about how we can become a Branch or an Affiliate of CPSA. (NB: Branches are covered by CPSA’s $10 million Public Liability Insurance). I wish to make a donation of $______ (All donations above $2 are tax deductible).

Please send me information about THE VOICE gift subscriptions.

I wish to make a bequest to CPSA in my Will. Please send me information.

Name:_____________________________________________________________________________Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________State:_____________Postcode:__________Phone: ______________________________Email:_________________________________________Payment details (for credit card): Visa Mastercard Name on card:__________________________Card Number:___________________Expiry:_________Amount:______________________ Signature:_____________________________________________

Please send to: CPSA, Level 9, 28 Foveaux St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

Letters are personal views only and do not necessarily reflect CPSA policy. Ed.

February 2011 THE VOICE ONLINE: www.cpsa.org.au 3

A rollator frame is required for their mobility, yet the doctor continues to disregard the overall functionality of this person, as there has been a client-patient relationship for a number of years. This person continues to drive distances of up to 50 - 60 kilometres, even after being medicated. Further, this person is even suspected of ‘doctor shopping’ for additional medication. Both the police and RTA have been alerted, yet the medical certificate appears to take precedence in this matter of public safety. Residents of high care residential facilities are not your ‘average’ ageing member of the community. There must be specific limitations placed on such residents, as in this particular case, a fatality is waiting, somewhere, sometime. If not him or herself, an innocent driver or whole family.

Name and address supplied By law, all holders of a driver licence must notify the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) of any medical condition that may affect their ability to drive. This may include a long-term illness or injury. The RTA has the power to order a licence holder to have a medical test or a driver’s test if there are concerns about the driver’s ability to drive. Importantly, these rules are not restricted to older people: every driver is subject to these rules. If there are concerns about the ability of a driver, the RTA advises to complete an unsafe driver form. According to Austroads (2006), health professionals may be liable under civil law if a court finds that they have

not taken reasonable steps to prevent from driving those drivers with conditions that impair their ability to drive safely and pose a risk to public safety. If a health professional does not deem themselves able to make an accurate assessment of a patient’s ability to drive, they should refer the assessment to another health professional. The RTA is ultimately responsible in determining who is and who is not fit to drive. If there are concerns about the conduct of a registered health practitioner, the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency can be contacted on 1300 419 495. Ed.

Some ideas for a better democracyDEMOCRACY is described as a method of government of the people, for the people, by the people. Another view is that democracy is not perfect but it’s the best system available. I believe true democracy would empower citizens to select leaders who would govern as those citizens wish to be governed.

If ever there was any honest ambition to empower the electorate with true control of their government, then major issues of concern would be itemised prior to an election and candidates asked to declare their support for or against contentious matters.

For example, before the 2007 State election the following issues would have been some of those listed for the Hunter electorate’s approval:1) Sale of coal, gas and electricity generation to foreign powers;2) Closure of passenger rail to Newcastle;3) Closure of Cessnock gaol;

4) Tillegra Dam construction;5) Privatisation of electricity; 6) Offshore gas drilling; and7) Continuous opening of new coal mines. Having declared their intentions prior to the election, elected candidates would then be bound by their pre-election declarations. Any contentions arising after an election that conflicted with election declarations would be taken back to the electorate at the next elections. Contemplate the millions of dollars and thousands of hours wasted by citizens and bureaucracy fighting over “the hard decisions” that could be amicably decided at the elections.

George Paris Rathmines, NSW

Help to pay for energy READING the last edition of THE VOICE, I was interested in the article about energy payment assistance. My wife and I are Age Pensioners. We own our own home that we have lived in and raised our family in for 49 years. We own our car of 16 years too. Despite this, we are finding it harder each year to make ends meet. The cost of electricity, gas and water are ever increasing, even with the pensioner rebates. Then there are Council rates, which increase on average by $100 per year. Home and contents insurance has increased by $230 this year and our savings are decreasing very quickly. We would like to hear more about assistance to pay energy costs, and whether we are eligible.

Richard Whiting,Surry Hills, NSW

This letter refers to the Energy Accounts Payment Assistance Scheme, known as EAPA. EAPA is available to anyone who is having difficulty paying their energy bills and offers financial assistance in the form of vouchers, valued between $30 and $480 depending on the individual’s circumstances. EAPA vouchers are only available through non-government organisations such as St Vincent de Paul and Anglicare. This is a NSW Government Scheme designed to prevent the high number of disconnections that take place in NSW each year. It is not charity. To find out your nearest outlet please call CPSA on 1800 451 488. Ed. Welcome assistance against addictionI wrote to THE VOICE in August 2009 with respect to higher taxes on smoking and how it was unfair on pensioners. The announcement recently on the decision to add Nicotine patches to the PBS is to be applauded.The government deserves congratulations for the common sense and compassion shown in this move.

Alice JacobsNelly Bay, Qld

Letters

By mail to:THE VOICE, CPSALevel 9, 28 Foveaux StSurry Hills NSW 2010

or by email to [email protected]

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Members’ page

Crossword by Hilda Thorburn

THE e-VOICE is available to view on the internet at www.cpsa.org.au/evoice.html

DonationsCPSA is grateful for all donations. Due to lack of space, the following only includes donations above $35.

Anonymous $88Anonymous $38A. Campbell $38J. Campbell $50Gosford CPSA $3,302.54Gunnedah CPSA $50B. & L. Mirkin $50M. Mitchell $88D. Morrison $38N. Newton $40D. Provest $53M. Steilberg $40V. Vladyka $40S. Waring $40P. Ylisirnio $38

Across 1. Had achieved (3,10) 8. Remove harship 9. Large string instruments10. Signatures11. Egyptian goddess12. African fly14. Baptise17. Treasurer in the Howard government20. Taipei is there23. Departed24. Of past events25. Gather26. Checked27. Is more than the uproar in the madhouse (7,6)

Answers on back page

Down

1. Closures of businesses (4,3) 2. Exclude (4,3) 3. Trade at a lower price 4. Noteworthiness 5. Bags 6. Satisfies 7. Treat as a celebrity13. German city; printing units15. Statement of reasons16. Pull18. Perform19. Doomed ocean-liner21. First letter22. Dysneyland’s home24. Equine

Garden of RemembrancePat Singh, President of St Marys CPSA, passed away on 1 December 2010. Pat immersed herself in helping others through her volunteer work. Apart from her involvement in CPSA, Pat volunteered with the Penrith/St Marys toy library, Diabetes Australia, Northcott Disability Services and Arthritis Australia. Pat’s volunteering brought her many friends and led to many wonderful memories. She is sorely missed but she will live on in our hearts and our memories.

Leila Soo-Kee of Penrith Seniors & Pensioners’ Club Inc. passed away suddenly on 19 October 2010. She was a long term volunteer of the Club having been a Member since 1990.

~ Rest In Peace ~New CPSA Branch

CPSA welcomed a new Branch into the Association towards the end of last year which will no doubt help strengthen the voice of pensioners and seniors in NSW. The new Branch is from Uralla, a town just south of Armidale in the beautiful New England Tableland. They held a Christmas Party which CPSA’s Treasurer Betty Chamberlain was fortunate to attend.

Join CPSA at the 2011 Premier’s Seniors Week Gala Concerts

21-22 March 2011 NSW Seniors Week is nearly upon us once again. If you are heading off to the Premier’s Seniors Week Concert at the Sydney Entertainment Centre, come and say hello to CPSA Executive and staff at the CPSA stand. For more information about NSW Seniors Week events call the Seniors Information Service on 13 12 44 or visit www.nswseniorsweek.com.au


8. Remove restrictions on the Stamp Duty exemption for people aged 65 and over who are down-sizing. This exemption should apply to all homes purchased, rather than new or off-the-plan homes, and should be extended beyond the current two-year timeframe.

9. Implement a number of transport reforms as outlined in CPSA’s transport document: Closing the Transport Gap: Meeting the transport needs of transport disadvantaged people in NSW. (CPSA also seeks readers’ views regarding reforms. Please contact Head Office if you would like a copy of the document.)

You may note that little was put forth regarding energy affordability for pensioners and other low-income earners. CPSA has been participating in consultations with the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal regarding ways of assisting low-income householders afford energy and has been working with the Public Interest and Advocacy Centre and the NSW Council of Social Service on energy affordability policies. CPSA has also written to the Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs calling for indexation of the Utilities Allowance to be in line with utility prices rather than CPI. If the parties’ responses arrive in time, CPSA will publish them in THE VOICE. The election will be held on 26 March. In the meantime, CPSA

urges you to get out there and make your concerns known to your local candidates! If you need their contact details, get in touch with CPSA Head Office on 1800 451 488.

New Aged Care Commissioner

RAE Lamb is Australia’s new Aged Care Commissioner. Ms Lamb was, for the last five years, Deputy Health and Disability Commissioner in New Zealand. Ms Lamb has a background in journalism as a health reporter and was a Harkness Fellow at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement and the Harvard School of Public Health. She researched the disclosure of medical error.

The Aged Care Commissioner is a Ministerial appointment.

Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said that “Ms Lamb is well qualified to lead

the Office of the Aged Care Commissioner, which plays a critical role in promoting quality in aged care.”

“I am confident that she will use her wealth of knowledge and experience, coupled with a fresh perspective, to the benefit of both people receiving aged care and aged care providers.”

CPSA congratulates Ms Lamb on her appointment and also welcomes the appointment of a commissioner seemingly without ties to the aged care industry. [The former (Acting) Commissioner took a leave of absence from an advisory role with an aged care provider before being appointed. CPSA publically raised concerns about a perceived conflict of interest given previous ties to the aged care industry.]

Ms Lamb has been appointed Commissioner for a period of three years.

CPSA Campaigns

NSW State Election 2011From page 1


CPSA Member Benefit


Reforming the complaints process

CPSA often receives calls from people who have made a complaint to the Complaints Investigation Scheme (CIS) about the care of someone in a nursing home. Many of these callers are upset with how their complaint was handled and feel like the system has let them down. Complaint handling in the aged care arena has had a long history of failing complainants and the residents who have been subject to abuse or inadequate care.

In 2005, several elderly female residents in nursing homes were sexually abused. Although the abuse was witnessed it was not reported for months.

There are now mandatory reporting requirements in aged care facilities if residents are abused by a staff member or someone else in contact with the home, but this requirement does not apply if the abuse is perpetrated by a fellow resident.

Over the years there has been a litany of cover-ups, poor investigations of complaints, inadequate monitoring of nursing homes and next to zero transparency when it comes to a home’s performance.

Despite these failures in the system, or perhaps because of them, multiple inquiries have been held into aged care. A draft report on the latest inquiry will be released this month, no doubt offering recommendations that resemble those made in the past by the tower of reports on caring for older people in Australia.

In February, CPSA will be meeting with the

Department of Health and Ageing about the complaints process for aged care. CPSA will be calling for the complaints scheme to be made independent of the Department of Health and Ageing to ensure transparency.

CPSA will also argue that the Aged Care Commissioner’s decisions should be binding, and that the Commissioner too, should be independent of the Department.

Further, complaints and investigation reports where breaches have been found should be made public, unless the complainant requests otherwise.

Finally, CPSA wants made public issues relating to the running of the nursing home (opposed to isolated incidents). Currently, these issues are not necessarily considered by the Complaints Investigation Scheme but referred to the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency, whose reports rarely publish nursing home breaches.

InvoCare attempts to gobble up more funeral providers

INVOCARE, the largest funeral provider in Australia, has proposed to purchase 100% of Bledisloe Group Holdings Pty Ltd, one of the largest funeral companies in Australia and New Zealand and recently made a public company with shareholders. If the takeover is successful, InvoCare will significantly increase its market share in Australia and New Zealand. InvoCare’s share price rose 5.5 per cent to AUD $7.29 following its announcement to take over Bledisloe.

In the business of dying, it pays to be big. At the moment, one in five funerals in Australia are conducted by InvoCare and the ratio is much higher in Sydney, where it’s estimated to be closer to one in two. The takeover is currently before the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC). CPSA made a submission to the ACCC opposing the takeover because of the reduction in competition. Bledisloe owns Gregory & Carr Funerals, Boland Funerals and Metro Funerals. There is no regulation regarding the price of a funeral. The NSW Government has given no support for the regulation of the price of a Basic Funeral (which is a regulated product in terms of its contents, but continues to be optional for funeral providers).

CPSA considers competition is the only way to lower the price of funerals. Economic rationalist principles that assume

the market will sort out everything do not sit easily within the funeral market.

Firstly, few have a choice about whether they need to purchase a funeral or not.

Secondly, people are likely to purchase a funeral when distressed and so are not in a frame of mind to make rational choices about the funeral they purchase, nor are they likely to shop around.

Thirdly, most people purchase only one or two funerals in their lifetime and therefore do not gain a good knowledge of the product that they are purchasing. Fourthly, one must generally purchase a funeral in a specific location, and cannot necessarily choose another undertaker in another area when purchasing a funeral.

Consequently, the customer is like putty in the undertaker’s hand. CPSA will keep VOICE readers informed of the outcome of the ACCC’s inquiry.

CPSA Campaigns


Update on insurance tax

BACK in September last year, CPSA wrote to both the State and Federal Treasurers regarding the calculation of stamp duty on insurance premiums. CPSA called for pensioners to be exempt from the fire & emergency services levies and stamp duty on insurance. But as we know, governments are unlikely to agree to cutting their tax revenue, especially when they know most pensioners pay this tax because they have home and contents insurance. CPSA argued that stamp duty should only be calculated on the value of the premium, rather than on the premium, the fire & emergency services levies and GST. That’s right. The stamp duty you pay on your home and contents insurance premiums is a percentage of the premium AND the fire & emergency services levies AND the GST. In other words, it’s a tax on a tax, on a tax. CPSA has finally received a response from the NSW Parliamentary Secretary Assisting the Treasurer, Barry Collier. Here’s an excerpt from the letter that Mr Collier sent: I am advised that under the NSW duties legislation “premium” means the total consideration given to an insurer by or on behalf of the insured person to effect insurance. As such, “premium” includes a fire service levy and an emergency service levy paid or payable in connection with insurance, along with GST. The levying of stamp duty on prices inclusive of Commonwealth taxes

has been a long standing government policy. There are no proposals to alter these arrangements. Mr Collier went on to explain that prior to the GST, stamp duties were calculated inclusive of the Commonwealth Wholesale Sales Tax, and that it is common practice by states and territories to include Commonwealth taxes in their stamp duty calculations. In other words, stop your complaining as we’ve done it before, so it’s alright! Well, CPSA thinks that there is a lot wrong with it. Taxing low income householders in such a way only leads to people downgrading their insurance, and fewer purchasing insurance. They then must hope that they don’t lose their home to flood or fire. In CPSA’s letter to the Federal Treasurer, we called for the removal of GST from fire and emergency services levies, but we are yet to receive a response. When former Federal Treasurer Peter Costello was introducing the GST, the then Labor Opposition argued vehemently against the GST being levied on state fire & emergency levies. It seems that they’re now keeping mum on that front.

Centrelink unfair debt recovery rules called into question by Senate Inquiry

DID you realise that if Centrelink is 99 per cent responsible for a mistake with a payment and the income support recipient goes into debt, then the recipient may still have to repay the entire debt? It’s even worse for people in receipt of the Family Tax Benefit, where

if Centrelink is not only 99 per cent but 100 per cent responsible for the mistake and the recipient received the payments in good faith, the recipient must prove that repayment of the debt would place them in severe financial hardship. Seems unfair? That’s what organisations like the National Welfare Rights Network and CPSA have thought for quite some time. Thankfully, the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Reference Committee thought along the same lines and recommended that “the Australian Government review ‘waiver of debt’ provisions contained in social security legislation and consider amendments to that legislation where current provisions could cause unfair and unjust outcomes for welfare recipients.” Jenny Macklin the Minister responsible, has committed to her department reviewing the arrangements. It was reported that over two million overpayments were made by Centrelink in 2009/10, amounting to $1.7 million. That’s quite a few overpayments being made, and it’s safe to say that quite a few may be Centrelink’s fault. Welfare Rights, the organisation that works with income support recipients who are dealing with Centrelink and need assistance, states that “Our experience in providing casework services over the last 24 years shows that where a person in receipt of Social Security is advised of a debt they have become stressed, frightened, have difficulties sleeping and are traumatised by the event” (Welfare Rights ‘Rights Review’ December

2010, p. 7). Losing part or all of one’s income when it is so small in the first place causes great undue stress, especially if responsibility lies with Centrelink. CPSA supports the calls for a fairer system.

Research questions housing policy

NEW research into housing policy is questioning the traditionally held view that home ownership helps prevent housing-related poverty in older age. Many CPSA Members already know too well that housing is not very affordable, even when owned, when rates and maintenance are taken into consideration. However the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute has tapped into less understood aspects of housing affordability. They researched the living situations of thousands of over-50s to determine what drove people to require housing assistance. Their research found that homeowners who sell and enter the rental market are significantly more likely to require assistance than those who have been long-time renters. “Some of the assumptions underpinning Australian housing policy rest on weak grounds,” the Institute’s research paper stated. The paper continued to say that although many, many people hold the belief that home ownership provides a guaranteed buffer against housing-related poverty in old age, this doesn’t stand up to scrutiny. There are many reasons why homeowners

CPSA Campaigns


are compelled to sell and move into the rental market, including divorce or separation, job loss and personal debt. The research indicates the gap between housing security and affordability and housing poverty is not very wide. Just about anybody could find themselves in a bad situation. The Institute suggests that more is needed to stop the number of former homeowners ending up in housing poverty.

Single-sex hospital wards

CPSA recently wrote to the NSW Health Minister relaying concerns about the lack of results from the NSW Government’s policies to make wards single-sex. The 2008 Garling Report made a strong recommendation that hospitals urgently needed to ensure that patients were placed in single-gender wards. The then Health Minister, John Della Bosca, committed $12 million over four years so that every hospital in NSW had single-sex wards (ABC Online, ‘Single-sex wards return to NSW’ 24/3/2009).

“Obviously that’ll be something we’ll have to work through with nursing staff and ensuring that the resources exist in each hospital, but it’s an important priority to make sure that we can return to a gender-based ward or treatment space, especially if that’s what the patient requires.” (ABC Online, 2009).

A toll-free hotline was established for patients or relatives to call if they or the patient has not been placed in a single-sex ward after 24 hours.

Brochures are also to be made available to patients about the hotline when they are admitted.

Last year, CPSA understood that fewer than 50 calls had been made to the hotline over a nine-month period and most of these were not related to single-gender ward issues. That’s why CPSA wrote to the Minister with concerns that the policy was not working well.

Dr Andrew McDonald, Parliamentary Secretary for Health, wrote back acknowledging our concerns, and stated that the latest report on reforms to the health system in line with Garling (Caring Together: The Health Action Plan for NSW) “confirms increased

compliance in placing patients in same gender rooms, and that information about the toll free line and brochures were accessible at the sites visited as part of the Panel review process. Staff are also reporting increased awareness of the requirement to uphold same gender ward policy.”

CPSA has read through the report and cannot find anything relating to the single-sex ward policy.

Given that $3 million is being spent annually on this reform, one would think it was a bit important to make sure it was getting results?

Not to mention the dignity and privacy of people in mixed-gender wards!

Dr McDonald urged CPSA Members concerned about a lack of information or action to move someone into a single-sex ward to have the matter reviewed by the hospital concerned.

CPSA is the first to acknowledge that ensuring single-gender wards are available in all hospitals is no easy task and that there will always be instances where it is impossible to eradicate mixed-gender wards. However, hospital staff should do everything they can to place people in single-sex wards as a matter of course, rather than waiting for someone to speak up. A hotline entrenches a culture where, unless a patient speaks up, nothing needs to

be done. People should be treated with dignity from the start and placed in a single-sex ward where possible.

Welcome boost to disability funding in NSW

In December 2010, the NSW Government announced a significant boost to funding allocated towards the delivery of services and support for people with disability in NSW. The second half of the NSW Government’s Stronger Together program, commencing this year, will deliver $2.02 billion in additional funding which sees a total of $5.5 billion in new disability spending over the Stronger Together 2006-2016 period. From 1 July 2014, all people using disability services provided by NSW Ageing Disability and Home Care will have the opportunity to receive individualised funding. Hopefully, this means people will have more choice about the type of services they receive. Among the other initiatives announced, the NSW Government has committed to closing the remaining government and non-government run disability institutions by 2018 as well as increased funding for therapy, respite and family support packages. Businesses employing

CPSA CampaignsFlood Appeal urgently requests donations

SCAMwatch is warning people to thoroughly check when donating to help flood victims. If your Branch decides to make a donation, several reputable appeals are being conducted:

Variety: 1300 482 743 (please mention where you want the donation to go: NSW, Qld, WA, Victoria or “where most needed”)Salvation Army: 13 72 58 (please mention where you want the donation to go: “Qld & NSW” or “Victoria”)Premier’s Flood Appeal (Queensland Appeal): 1800 219 028Red Cross (Victorian Appeal): 1800 811 700


CPSA Campaignspeople with disability will also receive exemptions from payroll tax. Minister for Disability Services Peter Primrose said providing this exemption will help deliver the NSW Government’s State Plan target of an extra 6,000 jobs for people with disability by 2016. The State Plan, released in 2006, aims to reduce the gap in the unemployment rate between people with a disability and the overall community by 50% by 2016, approximately 6,000 jobs. This equals an additional 600 jobs every year since 2006. In 2003, the unemployment figure for people with disability was 9% compared to 6% for the overall community. Data which will show what improvements have been made so far have yet to be released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Importantly, the $5.5 billion funding and the Stronger Together program have bipartisan support. “The NSW Liberals and Nationals recognise that the 10-year disability plan only exists because of the effort of people with disabilities, their families and carers fighting for a fair share,” Opposition Leader Barry O’Farrell said. “It is important that the final phase be delivered.” People with disability, their carers and families therefore have certainty that this funding will become available in the future. Council of Social Service NSW (NCOSS) said the program was “the culmination of extensive consultation.” “We are very pleased to see that the NSW Government

has listened and has allocated additional funding to grow much needed services and support,” said Alison Peters, NCOSS Director.

Beds closed as nurses turn heat on Government

NURSES across NSW kept beds closed at the beginning of the new year to increase pressure on the State Government to introduce nurse-to-patient ratios. The bed closures began on 4 January with the NSW Nurses Association saying that it would continue industrial action unless its demand for a one-to-four ratio of nurses to patients was met. In Victoria, where this ratio is fixed in legislation, nurses credit it with improving health outcomes for patients and improving nurse workloads, safety and job satisfaction. The Association had closed beds in non-urgent care areas of hospitals and claimed that this only affected some patients waiting for non-elective surgery. Health Minister Carmel Tebbutt stated that she refused to negotiate with the Association during industrial action. She told ABC Radio that the fixed ratio nurses are asking for is not appropriate.“Having said that, we are very understanding of the Nurses’ Association’s concerns around workload,” Ms Tebbutt said. On 12 January the Association called off its industrial action after the NSW Government made an offer which they called “fair and reasonable”. Over a week after the first bed closures, nurses reopened all 570 closed beds at 67 facilities.

At the time of writing, the details of the government’s offer had not been made public and neither side will comment until discussions are completed. “Quite frankly I think the offer is going to have to be pretty good for our members to accept,” said the Associations’ Acting General Secretary.

CPSA Member Alice Scott:Top Gong Award Winner – Women Making a Difference(from the Illawarra Mercury, 11 November 2010, pg 58)

ALICE Scott, community advocate and prolific volunteer for numerous local organisations, is a true example of how women can make a real difference in their community, not only here in Wollongong, but also at a State and Federal level. As chairperson of Illawarra Dental Health Action Group (IDHAG), director of local radio station VOXfm 106.9, and voluntary member of The Area Health Advisory Council, the Illawarra Residents against Toxic Environments

(IRATE) and Wollongong Against Corruption (WAC), she is dedicated to ensuring those in the community that are unable to speak out are heard. “I have been chairperson of IDHAG for approximately seven years and a member for 10 years,” Alice said. “Dental care is my pet cause and one of the reasons I joined the group was to try and improve the state of our public dental system. “I also belong to the Port Kembla Pollution meeting and IRATE. I take pride in the job we have done in working with heavy industry in the Port Kembla area to reduce pollution. “From saving the park in Berkeley and the Port Kembla Hospital casualty ward from closure to joining the Mental Health coalition, I believe that if something is wrong, I need to step in and help make it right.” Her commitment has not only gained local media coverage, but has also seen Alice travel with members of the Illawarra Dental Health Action Group to Canberra to present a 6,000 signature petition.

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Over 55’s escape. Enjoy golf, bowling, fishing, beach, courtesy bus to clubs or just relax in pristine

surroundings approximately 3 1/2 hours from Sydney.

All on one level with 3 bedrooms (Max. 6 people).Security rails in bathrooms and secure enclosed yard.

Off peak rate $450 per couple per week. Additional $50 per extra person. School holidays excluded.

Manchester not included (everything else is provided).Just relax

For BookingsContact Defordigs on (02) 6554 5011

www.tuncurryfn.com.au*Terms and cond. apply


INCOME SECURITY

CentrelinkAge Pension 13 23 00

DSP/Carer benefits 13 27 17Family Assistance 13 61 50

Welfare Rights CentreInfo on Government pensions

and other benefits9211 5300

1800 226 028

National Information Centre on Retirement InvestmentsAnything for the small investor and people wondering about

super or how to invest1800 020 110

Financial Ombudsman Services

Complaints about banking, insurance, super, financial

planning 1300 780 808

Industry Fund FinancialPlanning

1300 138 848

Australian Taxation OfficeSuper/Lost super 13 10 20

Personal tax 13 28 61

British Pensions inAustralia

Assistance in claiming the British Pension(02) 9521 79641300 308 353

No Interest Loans Scheme1800 509 994

RIGHTS

Australian Human Rights Commission

Complaints about discrimination and

harassment 1300 369 711

Commonwealth Ombudsman

Complaints about Federal Government departments and

agencies 1300 362 072

NSW Ombudsman’s Office Complaints about NSW Government agencies

1800 451 524

NSW Trustee and Guardian1300 360 466

Guardianship TribunalFinancial management orders

for people with decision-making disabilities

1800 463 928

Seniors Information Service13 12 44

Consumer Trader & Tenancy Tribunal

Tenancy, trader and consumer disputes13 32 20

Energy & Water Ombudsman (EWON)

Complaints about all NSW electricity/gas retailers and Sydney and Hunter Water

1800 246 545

TelecommunicationsIndustry Ombudsman

Phone and internet complaints 1800 062 058

GOODS AND SERVICE

Telstra Pensioner DiscountFor basic plans only

1800 353 652

NSW Seniors CardDiscounts on goods and services 1300 364 758

NSW Companion CardFree event admission for

companions of eligible people with a disability 1800 893 044

HEALTH AND CARE

Commonwealth CareLinkInfo about aged and

community care 1800 052 222

Office of Hearing ServicesSubsidised hearing aids

1800 500 726

Dementia Helpline1800 100 500

Single-gender Ward Hotline For patients who wish

to be placed in a single-gender ward after 24hrs

hospitalisation1800 700 830

VisionCare NSWSubsidised spectacles

(02) 9344 41221800 806 851

Home Care Service NSWDomestic assistance, respite

and personal care 1800 044 043

Rape Crisis Centre24hours/7days 1800 424 017

Health Care Complaints Commission

NSW only 9219 74441800 043 159

Carers NSWInformation, support

1800 242 636Emergency respite

1800 059 059

Aged care information lineResidential and community

aged care information1800 500 853

Aged Care Complaints Scheme

Complaints about residential and community aged care

1800 550 552

LifelineMental health support,

suicide prevention 13 11 14

Beyond BlueDepression and anxiety

information 1300 224 636

Public Dental Health Services

Call NSW Health for details9391 9000

1800 639 398

Medicare Enhanced Primary Care Dental Scheme

Call Medicare for details132 011

People with DisabilitiesAdvice for people with a

disability9370 3100

1800 422 016

Exit AustraliaInformation about euthanasia

1300 103 948

Dying with Dignity NSW02 9212 4782

Australian Men’s Shed

Association 1300 550 009

HOUSING

CPSA’s Older Persons Tenants’ Service (OPTS)

Individual advocacy9566 1120

1800 131310

CPSA’s Park and Village Service (PAVS)

Individual advocacy for caravan parks and

manufactured homes villages9566 1010

1800 177 688

NSW Department of Housing

Info and applications1800 629 212

Tenants Advice LineMondays 3-6pm1800 251 101

LEGAL

The Aged-care Rights Service including Older Persons’ Legal ServiceAged care and retirement

village advocacy and information and legal advice

for older people.9281 3600

1800 424 079

Law AccessReferrals for legal help

1300 888 529

The Law SocietySolicitor and legal firm

referrals9926 0300

1800 422 713

Community Justice Centres Dispute resolution services for minor matters 9228 7455

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service

1800 200 526

Family Relationship Centres Relationship and separation information 1800 050 321

Office of the Legal Services Commissioner

Complaints about lawyers and conveyancers 1800 242 958

CPSA Information Directory


Riddle me this

Giggle Page

Crossword SolutionsCrossword on page 4

Oh the joys of getting old

Graham, an old man, went to his doctor for his hearing problem. The doctor fitted a set of hearing aids that allowed him to hear perfectly again. Graham returned to the doctor’s in a month for a final check on the new equipment.

After some tests, the doctor proclaimed, “Your hearing is perfect!”

“Thank you for helping me,” replied Graham.“You’re welcome,” said the doctor. “Your family must be

really pleased that you can hear again.”“Oh, I haven’t told them yet. I just sit around and listen to

the conversations I used to miss,” replied Graham.The doctor guessing the reason said, “Really? You must

just not be ready to believe it yourself that you can hear now.”

Graham said, “Well, that’s not it exactly, but I have changed my will three times!”

~~~~~~~A retired man volunteered to entertain patients in nursing

homes and hospitals. One day, he went to a local hospital and took his portable keyboard along.

He told some jokes and sang some funny songs at patients’ bedsides. When he finished he said, “I hope you get better.”

One elderly gentleman replied, “I hope you get better, too.”~~~~~~~

A woman was having trouble with the idea of turning 30 and was oversensitive to any signs of ageing. When she found a grey hair, she pointed to her forehead and asked her husband, “Oh no, have you seen this?”

“What?” he asked. “The wrinkles?”~~~~~~~

Worried because they hadn’t heard anything for days from the widow in the neighbouring apartment, Mrs Silver said to her son, “Jacob, would you go next door and see how old Mrs Kirkland is?”A few minutes later, Jacob returned.“Well,” asked Mrs Silver, “is she all right?”“She’s fine, except that she’s angry with you.”“With me?” the woman exclaimed. “Whatever for?”“She said ‘It’s none of your business how old she is,’”

snickered Jacob.

2For some I go fastFor others I’m slowTo most people, I’m an obsessionRelying on me is a well practiced lesson.

1What is it?You pick itYou peel the outsideYou cook the insideYou eat the outsideAnd throw away the inside.

3Can you name three consecutive days without using the words Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday?

4They have not flesh, nor feathers, nor scales, nor bone. Yet they have fingers and thumbs of their own. What are they?

5This old one runs forever, but never moves at all. He has not lungs nor throat, but still a mighty roaring call. What is it? 1. Corn

2. Time3. Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow4. Gloves5. A waterfall

Answers

In the spirit of the nearing state election, hear’s a timely lesson in making sure your slogan means what you really want it to mean

Two equally sized triangles are made up of the same four parts moved around. Yet in the second triangle there is a missing square. Where does the missing square come from?

This is an optical illusion. Neither triangle is perfectly a triangle. Because the red and blue shapes have different angles, the slope of each large triangle they help form actually has a bend in it.

Documents

THE VOICE - February 2011