Sandra Goudie MP
National Party Senior Citizens Spokeswoman
15 June 2006
Dyson’s comments on elder abuse utter hypocrisy
Ruth Dyson's comments about elder abuse are utter hypocrisy, says National's Senior Citizens spokeswoman, Sandra Goudie.
"This is infuriating. Today the Minister is trying to sound sympathetic on elder abuse, when just a few weeks ago she
was defending photographs that exploited rest home residents.
"Using the Minister's measure, elder abuse is okay if you're a union and you're mounting a pay campaign. It took a
question from National in Parliament before the Minister would say anything publicly on the issue.
"Elder abuse is far more prevalent than most people realise. The Government needs to lead on this issue, even if it is
politically inconvenient.”
Ms Goudie says an Age Concern campaign highlighting financial abuse is an excellent way of informing people about
protecting their money, property and independence.
"The growing level of concern about elder abuse is also reflected in a petition before Parliament calling for the
inquiry into quality of care for the disabled to include residential and home care services.
"Extending the inquiry would identify gaps in the system and address issues such as providing adequate information for
carers and families about the complaints process.
"Our elderly folk deserve dignity, respect and, above all, the right to protection from abuse.”
ENDS