NSW Minister for Ageing, Kristina Keneally today hosted the final Ageing 2030 consultation at Parliament House, focussing on the needs of an ageing Aboriginal population.
Ms Keneally said the consultation will help guide planning and address future challenges raised by the specific challenges and opportunities associated with an ageing population across NSW.
“This consultation will ensure that some of the unique needs of an ageing Aboriginal population are addressed,” said Ms Keneally.
“It was clear from the outcomes from the Ageing 2030 Roundtable that a more detailed and focused discussion would need to take place to add to the outcomes of the Iemma Government’s Strategy on Ageing,” said Ms Keneally.
“Today will be integral to addressing the specific issues raised by an ageing Aboriginal population and will ensure that Aboriginal people can provide their valuable insights, views and concerns.
“The ageing of our population is an issue for the whole community including all levels of government and the private sector.
“We have also hosted public consultations around the State in Coffs Harbour, Queanbeyan, Parramatta and the Central Coast.
“Today’s consultation will include a number of Aboriginal people with expertise in ageing issues in a number of areas, including:
• Health;
• Community services;
• Employment;
• Disability services;
• Planning; and
• Education.
Ms Keneally said this is a step in the right direction towards addressing the specific needs of Indigenous Australians, particularly those in rural and regional areas.
“We have invited a number of Aboriginal decision-makers with expertise in long-term planning to participate in the consultation,” Ms Keneally said.
“The participants will build on the outcomes already established during the Ageing 2030 Roundtable in particular those recommendations put forward by the Rural and Regional focussed working group.
“The outcomes from the Ageing 2030 Aboriginal Consultation, the Ageing 2030 Roundtable and the other consultations held around NSW will all feed into the NSW Strategy on Ageing expected to be released in early 2008.
For more information about Ageing 2030 please visit www.dadhc.nsw.gov.au/dadhc/Ageing2030.htm