1 July 2013 THE VOICE OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW THE VOICE Celebrating 82 years of service OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW Print Post Approved PP100001543 ISSN 10353615 July 2013 THE MOST common kind of abuse being reported to the NSW Elder Abuse Helpline since it started operations in March this year is forced changes to people’s wills. The helpline has reportedly received 200 calls alleging elder abuse since it went live, with the majority of perpetrators being a family member or neighbour. Abuse can be financial, physical, psychological, or neglect. A shocking case of neglect was revealed in May this year, when a coronial inquest into the death of an 88-year- old woman in Brisbane found that she had been grossly neglected by her daughter (her primary carer). Cynthia Thoresen died from a fractured femur that was at least three weeks old. Following the fracture, her daughter had failed to seek medical attention for her mother. Despite this being a clear case of abuse, there is apparently no legal avenue for the daughter to be charged under existing laws. The Deputy State Coroner Christine Clements has recommended that the Financial abuse tops helpline calls Continued page 8
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OF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSWPrint Post Approved PP100001543 ISSN 10353615 July 2013
THEMOSTcommonkindofabuse being reported to theNSW Elder Abuse Helplinesince it started operationsinMarch this year is forcedchangestopeople’swills. Thehelplinehasreportedlyreceived 200 calls allegingelder abuse since it wentlive, with the majority ofperpetrators being a familymemberorneighbour. Abuse can be financial,physical, psychological, orneglect. Ashockingcaseofneglectwas revealed in May thisyear,whenacoronialinquestinto thedeathofan88-year-oldwomaninBrisbanefoundthat she had been grosslyneglected by her daughter(herprimarycarer). CynthiaThoresendiedfromafracturedfemurthatwasatleastthreeweeksold. Following the fracture, herdaughter had failed to seekmedical attention for hermother. Despite this being a clearcase of abuse, there isapparently no legal avenueforthedaughtertobechargedunderexistinglaws. The Deputy State CoronerChristine Clements hasrecommendedthatthe
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THE VOICECPSA, Level 9, 28 Foveaux StSurry Hills NSW 2010
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LettersDown and out about downsizing
THE Government’sproposed strategy toencouragethedownsizingofthe homes of those in theirelderhooddisplaysa lackofunderstanding of what it’sliketobeold. Politicians are cleverwiththeir ideas,butcleverness isnot wisdom: the strategy isconcoctedforthegullible. Oneoftheprimerequisitesof ageing is the stability ofa comfortable lifestyle, oflong-standing routines andhabits acquired over manyyears and is attached to thehome layout, even the solaraspect of the rooms we usemost. Whatyoudon’tneedistheupheavalofrelocation. Thepossibilityof locatingto another home in the areawhere you have establishedfriends and familiarsurroundings is a dauntingone.
The question arises “Whostandstobenefit?” Certainlynottheowner! Who would foot the billof the agent’s commissionincluding advertising,solicitor’sfeesforthetransferof two properties, stampduty on the new purchase,removalistcosts,etc? The elderly home ownercouldbemany thousandsofdollarsoutofpocket.
Les BromfieldPoint Frederick NSW
Older drivers blackmailed
TOPremierO’Farrell: Older drivers are being“blackmailed”.Fact. On reaching 85 years,one can either opt to get arestrictedlicenceor taketheother alternative and do adrivingtest. Ifyoufailthetest,youthencannotobtain any licence atall. Thisisadisgustingwayof
treatingtheelderly. Is your memory so shortthat you can’t remembera pre-election promise toabolishthistestaltogether?
Darcy VaneRathmines NSW
Carers not cared for
FOR some, after endingcaring there is no job, nosuper, no Carer Payment orPension. It isprettyhard tobelievethat thisnationcannotcomeupwithsomethingtosupportcarers. AsIunderstand it,acarerwhocaresforalovedone(oranyotherpersonorpersons)full time is providing aservicetothecommunity. That should be respectedassuch. Itisnoteasytobeavailable24hoursadayoratleast60percentoftheday. This service should beadequately recognisedthroughCentrelinksupport.
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). I agree to be bound by the CPSA Constitution and uphold the Objectives and Policies of CPSA. I support the CPSA Objectives. I have not previously been expelled from CPSA or, if I have been expelled, I have attached a copy of my CPSA Executive exemption. 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. Please send me information about making a bequest to CPSA in my will.Name:_____________________________________________________________________________Address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________State:_____________Postcode:__________Phone: ______________________________Email:_________________________________________Payment details (for credit card): Visa Mastercard Name on card:__________________________Card Number:___________________Expiry:_________Amount:______________________ Signature:_____________________________________________
Letters are personal views only and do not necessarily reflect CPSA policy. Ed.
July2013 www.cpsa.org.au 1800451488 3
The carer should not bestrippedofanyfinancialhelporsupportupontheendingofacaringrole. Caring should be treatedlike serving in the army,where people continueto receive benefits aftertheir service role has beencompleted. I’m sure the Governmentcan come up with a similarpolicy to adequately coverthosewhocare.
Helmut NeubauerBerkeley Vale NSW
Seearticle‘TheHypocrisy!’onpage8.Ed.
Quakers Hill nursing home fire sentencing
“SATANmademedoit”wastheexcuseRogerDeanusedtodistancehimself fromhisheinous act of arson in anagedcarefacility. I attendedcourt aspartofthesentencinghearingandIwasmovedwhenthepeoplegave their victim impactstatements. Some 70 family memberswere impacted, including 2greatgrandchildren. Toaddinsulttoinjury,mostofthefamiliesofthemurdervictims and those whosufferedgrievousbodilyharmarenotentitledtovictimsofcrimecompensationbecausetheywerenot‘dependent’onthedeceased. They have exploredthe possibility of a civilclass action against theQuakersHillNursingHomeirrespective of the fact thatthis crime could not havebeenforeseen. Thiswouldprovedifficultdue to the clause that deathor injurywas the resultofacrime. Some of the things thefamilies are calling forinclude(butarenotrestrictedto):1.Random drug testing for
allstaffmembersinagedcare.
2.Thorough verificationof references of newemployees before theystartworkatanagedcarefacility.
3.Mandatory policebackgroundchecks.
4.Reporting of bad nursingpractices to an externalauthority, not justconducting an internalinvestigation.
5.Random inspections andaccess to advocates forresidents (not everyonehas families or carers tospeakupforthem).
6.Look into psych examsas happens with certainprofessions, includinglawenforcement,militaryandcommercialpilots.
Eveniftheabovewereputinplace,itstillwon’tbefool-proof. There are still visitors,volunteers, entertainers,delivery people andtradespeople. CPSA campaigned forsprinklers and I believe thatthis“dob inanursinghomefiretrap” campaign could beextendedtootherissues. Iproposethatpoints1,2,4and5abovebepartofastrongCPSA campaign. (Policechecksalreadyhappenand6isdifficultatthispoint.)
Wendy JayneWollstonecraft NSW
Privacy breached
ANYBODY at any timecan enter the rego numberof a motor vehicle into theNSW Roads & MaritimeServices (formally theRTA)registration online searchand an individual’s statusas a concession holder isdisclosed. Thisinformationshouldbeheld privately and securelyby the agency and not bepubliclyavailable.
It’sineffectmakingknownthattheownerisinreceiptofgovernmentbenefitsandtheirfinancialorhealthstatus. Stating the obvious,usually one would receiveconcessional registration iftheyhaveapensioncard. This information shouldonlybebetween theperson,the Department of HumanServicesandtheNSWRoads&MaritimeServices. People provide thisinformation in good faithon the assumption that theirinformationwillbeprotected. The status of a vehicleregistration as concessionalappears on the registrationpapers and is privateuntil aperson sells their car/boat.It never appeared on regostickers. But as it stands now,a person or organisationcan enter the rego detailsof a motor vehicle and bemade aware of the owner’sconcessionalstatus. I understand an objection
andinternalreviewhasbeenlodged with NSW RMStogether with notification tothe Information andPrivacyCommissionofNSW. The Australian PrivacyFoundationisalsowatching. The Minister’s officeindicates that they areunaware that this sort ofinformation is publicallyavailableontheRMSsearchengine. Peoplemaynotgenerallybeawareof theseriousprivacybreach of concessional cardholders.Name & address supplied
CPSA has written to theMinister for Roads and theRMSaboutthisissue,callingfor this information to notbepubliclyavailableonline.Ed.
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AboutCPSA
CPSA is a non-profit, non-party-political membership association founded in 1931 which serves pensioners of all ages, superannuants and low-income retirees.
CPSA has 130 Branches and affiliated organisations with a combined membership of over 29,000 people living throughout NSW.
CPSA’s aim is to improve the standard of living and well-being of its Members and constituents.
CPSA engages in systemic advocacy on behalf of its constituency and also auspices four services: the Health Promotion Service for Older People, the Older Persons Tenants’ Service, the Park and Village Service and a Community Visitors Scheme.
Card wallet $3.30Certificate (80/90 years/Appreciation) $1.10Emergency medical information book $2.00Leather key ring $5.50Letter opener: silver $10.00Do Not Knock Sticker FREE for individuals*Tea caddy spoon $4.40
Please add postage to all items.*A small fee may apply to bulk orders.
Donations
CPSA is grateful for all donations. Due to lack of space, the following only includes donations above $35 received since the last edition of THE VOICE:
Engadine Senior Citizens Club $4,258Lismore CPSA $150St George (Kogarah) Greek Senior Citizens Grp $50Yagoona CPSA $50
Head Office News
Head Office News is sent to all Branch Secretaries, Presidents and Treasurers with the instruction to read it aloud to the Branch meeting. Every Branch Member is also entitled to receive a copy. If you would like a copy, please call Head Office on 1800 451 488.
Condition of CPSA Membership
According to the NSW Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (Schedule 1, clause 11(1)(a) and Appendix 1 based on Clause 3(1)), it is a condition of your ongoing CPSA membership that you agree to comply with CPSA’s Constitution including Aims & Objectives.
If you have any questions or would like a copy of the Constitution, please call Head Office on 1800 451 488.
Calling CPSA
CPSA office hours are 9am – 4pm Monday – Friday.
Outside of these hours, and when all lines are busy, calls are answered by the CPSA answering machine. If you reach the answering machine, please leave a clear message with your phone number, so your call can be returned.
Across
1. Vulnerable person (7, 6)8. Responsive9. Diminish10. Reproductive part of a tapeworm11. Italian wine12. Handgun14. Parachute parts (3, 5)17. Cutlery item20. Distant23. Lazy24. Taken ill (4, 6)25. Iran previously26. Fancy27. DH Lawrence’s semi-autobiographical novel (4, 3, 6)
Down
1. Japanese warrior2. This evening3. Predicament4. Descendant (5, 10)5. Book of maps6. Nazi Police7. Dealt with13. Ocean15. Range of investments16. Large marsupial (abbr.)18. Infinite19. Slouch hat21. Syrup22. Slight earthquakes24. La ..., Milan Opera House
CROSSWORD by Hilda Thorburn
Share THE VOICE
When you’ve finished reading your copy of THE VOICE why not place it with your local library? We can also send the library additional copies directly - just ask them to contact us on 1800 451 488.
July2013 www.cpsa.org.au 1800451488 5
Members’pageTech Savvy Seniors
The NSW Government has partnered with Telstra to develop the Tech Savvy Seniors program to encourage more seniors to embrace technology, no matter where they live, how old they are or where their interests lie.
Tech Savvy Seniors provides low cost or free training through community colleges and libraries to older people, particularly in rural and remote areas of NSW.
Educational training DVDs have been designed for those who are new to technology or who want to learn more at their own pace. The DVDs consist of short, easy-to-follow videos that cover a range of popular technology topics, including:
• Computing and email• Tablets• Learning e-readers• Using a mobile phone• Internet• Social networking• Internet security• Home networking
The DVDs have been very popular and Members have reported that they’ve found them useful. If anyone would like to borrow a DVD directly from CPSA Head Office, we still have them available for loan. Please contact us on 1800 451 488 so one can be sent to you.
CPSA fearlessly campaigns for the rights and interests of its Members.
As a Member of CPSA, you know that we’re working for a better deal for YOU.Join today!
Visit www.cpsa.org.au or go to page 2
MrsAudrey Elsie Stuart,Member of Manyana &District CPSA, receivedan OAM for service tothe Southern Highlandswhere she grew up andspent most of her lifevolunteeringwiththeMossVale Show Society, tennisclubandCountryWomen’sAssociation. Having moved toManyana4yearsago,MrsStuart settled into coastallifeandjoinedCPSA.Beingamusiclover,sheisnow Co-Musical Directorof the Miltones ChoirGroup. Mrs Stuart also hostsregular sing-alongs for theresidentsofSarahClaydonRetirementVillage. Whenever anything isrequired,Audrey’s hand isfirst to go up. It is awell-deservedaward.
90th Birthday Bash
The Mannering Park CPSA held a special birthday celebration for the 90th birthday of Keith Klein on 6 June 2013.
Keith has been a Member of the Branch for 24 years.
He is a treasured member of the community, always cheerful and willing to give assistance to his neighbours and friends.
CPSA Members receive Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
Mrs Lucia Bokulic,MemberofManningValleyCPSA, received an OAMforservicetothecommunityofManningValleythrougha range of community andmulticulturalorganisations. Mrs Bokulic is VicePresidentof theUniversityof the Third Age and hasbeen an active member ofhercommunityinavarietyofways. Mrs Bokulic is onnumerous committeesincluding theMulticulturalAccess Committee forManning Rural ReferralHospital and the MidNorth Coast MulticulturalNetwork. She has been a valuedMember of the ManningValleyCPSABranch since2012.PhotocourtesyofManning River Times
Photo: Keith holding a certificate of congratulations close to his chest in appreciation.
CPSA Affiliated Organisations
These are organisations that support CPSA’s aims and objectives and are comprised mainly of pensioners and superannuants. Do you know of an organisation which you think should be an Affiliate? You can help CPSA membership grow by telling us about these potential CPSA Affiliates by calling Kate on 1800 451 488.
Queensland Attorney-General review theneed forelderabuselaws. University of WesternAustralia Law ProfessorEileenWebb points out thatalthoughmanyformsofelderabusearealreadycoveredbycriminal law, “policy andattitude barriers amongstlaw enforcement authoritiesmean that thecircumstancesofmanyabusedorneglectedolderadultsarenottreatedascrimes”. Elder abuse telephonelines across the country arerecording hundreds of callseachyear. Reports of physical andsexualabuseinnursinghomescontinuetoincrease. On the sheer basis of therising number of reports ofelderabuseinourcommunity,a reviewofAustralia’s lawsand their ability to respondappears to be urgentlyneeded. Anyonewishingtocontactthe NSW Elder AbuseHelpline can call 1800 628221.
Lacklustrebudgetfor thosemost inneedTHIS year’s NSW Budgetfailed to deliver any majorinitiatives to improve thelives of the state’s mostvulnerablepeople. Despite the publichousingwaitinglistblowingout to 55,000, the NSWGovernmenthasnotinvestedextra money into publichousingtoincreasedwellingnumbers. The lack of affordable
rental properties is pushingpensionersandothersonlowincomes into abject povertybuttheNSWGovernmentisturningablindeye. Pensioners who own theirown home may be relievedto learn that the CouncilRate Rebate remains intact,following calls from theIndependent GovernmentReview Panel for theconcessiontobe“reviewed”(read:“scrapped”). CPSAcontinuestocallforthe Rebate to be increased.Pensioners, particularlythosewith noother income,are struggling to pay theirratesyearonyearbecausetherebate has not been indexedsince1993. It was also disappointingthat the NSW Governmentdidn’t exempt older peoplefrom stamp duty when theydownsizetheirhomes. This would have been awelcome initiative in lightoftheFederalGovernment’spilot program aimed atencouraging pensioners todownsize. The Senior’s PrincipalPlace of Residence DutyExemption, which providesstamp duty exemptions forseniors downsizing intonewly built dwellings, endson1July2013. Health received an extra$884millioninthebudget-anincreaseof5.2percent. While a much neededinjection, the AustralianMedicalAssociation(AMA)has come out stating thatan increase of 7 per cent infundingisrequiredinordertocoverthecostsofpopulationgrowth,wage rises andnewtechnologies.
Thehypocrisy!IN the June edition of TheHousing NSW TenantNewsletter Your Home,readers were alerted to theopening of nominations forthe NSW Carers Awards,a joint initiative of NSWFamilies & CommunityServicesandCarersNSW,torecognisetheworkofcarersinthecommunity. TheDepartmentstatesthatthe awards “acknowledgeand celebrate the significantcontribution and tirelessefforts that unpaid or‘informal’carersmaketotheperson (orpeople) theycarefor”. While the Carers Awardsareagreatwaytorecognisethe work of carers, theannouncement made toHousing NSW tenants failstomentiontherecenthousing
policychangethatcouldseehundreds of carerswho liveinpublichousing,kickedoutontothestreet. Housing Minister PruGowardchangedSuccessionof Tenancy rules in March,so thatcarerswillno longerhave succession of tenancyrightsifthepersontheycarefor passes away or movesintoresidentialcare. This change potentiallybreaches the NSWGovernment’s own Carers (Recognition) Act 2010,including its clause thatcarers’representativesshouldbeconsultedoveranypolicychange. No consultations wereconducted.
CPSACampaignsContinued from page 1
July2013 www.cpsa.org.au 1800451488 9
FactsandTipsDo refugees receive higher Centrelink payments than
Age Pensioners?Member question: I have received an email stating that refugees living in Australia receive almost double that of age pensioners. Is this true?No.
TherearelotsofhoaxemailsgoingaroundpitchingAgePensionratesagainstpaymentstorefugees,andtheincomeamountsquotedarewayoffrealityforbothgroups. ThefortnightlypaymentforfullrateAgePensionersiscurrently$808.40forsingles(includingthePensionandCleanEnergySupplements)and$609.40foreachmemberofacouple. Asylum seekers inAustraliawaiting for their refugeeapplication tobeprocessed (if theyarenot indetentioncentres where they do not receive an allowance) canreceiveapaymentcalledaSpecialBenefitfromCentrelinkwhichispaidatthelevelofNewstart(theDole). This is currently $505.40 per fortnight for singleswithoutchildren(includingtheCleanEnergySupplement)or$456.30foreachmemberofacouple. Thismeans thatsingleson thispaymentreceive$303lessper fortnight than thoseon theAgePension.Manyreceive even less than this, for example if they receiveassistancewithlodgings. TheSpecialBenefitcanonlybeclaimedbycertainpeoplewithparticularsubclassesoftemporaryprotectionvisas,andonlywhiletheirrefugeeclaimisbeingprocessed.Ifthey are allowed to legallywork at all, people seekingrefugee status can earn no additional income withoutbeingpenalisedbyCentrelink. Ontheotherhand,peopleontheAgePensioncanaccesstheWorkBonusandmoregeneroustaperratesof50centstoonedollarovertheincomelimit.Anasylumseekerwhoisabletolegallygetworkwilllose$1ofSpecialBenefitforevery$1madebyworking. TheAsylumSeekerAssistance(ASA)Schemeprovidesassistance to eligible asylum seekers who are in theprocessofhavingtheirrefugeestatusdeterminedandarenotreceivingtheSpecialBenefit. AdministeredthroughtheRedCross,theASASchemeoffersincomesupporttocoverbasiclivingexpenses,paidat89percentoftheCentrelinkSpecialBenefit($449.80perweek,or$358.59lessthan,or55%of,asingleAgePension). If an asylumseeker is recognised as a refugee and isgiven permanent residency, they are then entitled tothe sameCentrelink benefits asworking ageAustraliancitizens. Other migrants have a waiting period of two yearsbeforetheyareentitledtoclaimmostCentrelinkbenefitsandconcessions.
Planning a funeral: your rights
THEFIRSTthingtokeepinmindwhenyou’reshoppingaroundistogetawrittenquote. By law all NSW funeral directorsmust provide youwith an itemised quote, however CPSA hears fromMembersfromtimetotimeaboutsituationswherethissimplyhasn’thappened,somakesureyouinsistonit. Makesure thequote includesGSTso thatyouknowthefullprice. Ifafuneraldirectorofferstheoptionofabasicfuneraltheymustalsogiveyouawrittenquoteforthis(a‘basicfuneralnotice’). Youmaybeaskedtosignthe‘basicfuneralnotice’slipinorder toshowthatyouhavereceived it,even ifyouchooseadifferentfuneraloption. Signingthisslipdoesnotmeanthatyouarecommittingtoafuneralwiththisprovider. Onceyouagreeonafuneraloptionwithaprovider,thefuneraldirectormustgiveyouanitemisedfinalstatementorinvoiceofthegoodsandservicesprovidedandtheircosts, once the funeral has been completed and beforeyoumakethefinalpayment. There are a number of different types of pre-paidfuneralsincluding:o contributoryfunds(wheresmallregularpaymentsgotowardspartorallofafuneralwithaparticularfuneraldirector);o pre-paidfuneralfunds(purchasedinonelumpsumorinseveralinstalments);o funeral bonds (a form of investment that allowsyoutosetasideyourownmoneyforafuneral,whichisheldasabondandpaidwhenthefuneralisrequired);o pre-paidproducts(suchaspayinginadvanceforagraveplotorwallnichewhichispurchaseddirectlyfromacemeteryorcrematorium). Ifyouplan to takeoutapre-paid funeral,makesureyouknowifthearrangementcoversalloronlysomeofthecostsassociatedwitharrangingafuneralandburial. Ifyouhaveaproblemwithafuneraldirector,contactFairTradingon133220orlodgeacomplaintonlineatwww.fairtrading.gov.au CPSA recommends avoiding funeral insurance at allcosts. CPSA has received calls from Members concernedaboutthefuneral insuranceofferrecentlydistributedtoSeniorsCardholders. We’re concerned, too, and it’s something that CPSAhasraisedwiththeMinisterandtheDepartment. IfyouwishtonolongerreceiveSeniorsCard“specialoffers”youcancallSeniorsCardon1300364758.
Both these contracts werelimitedtenders. This means thatorganisations could onlytender for these contracts iftheywereinvited. BacktoCPR. CPR specialises in agedcarelobbying. Butnotforconsumers–foragedcareproviders. Its client list includesindustry groupLeadingAgeServicesAustralia (Victoria)andagedcareproviderGoldAgeAgedCare. CPR boasts of large-scalefunding campaigns for theindustry. CPR also provides crisismanagement for nursinghomeswhentheyareexposedin the media for deliveringshoddycare. In their words, “Noorganisation deserves togo to thewall over a singleadverseincident.” In another twist, a staff
member of Minister Butler,TimO’Halloran, isaformerCPRadvisor. This isnot to suggest thatMr O’Halloran exercisedinfluence over the awardingofDepartmentofHealthandAgeingcontractstoCOTA. What isof concern is thatCOTA has received largeamountsoffundingfromtheDepartment of Health andAgeingtohelpNACAhaveasayontheagedcarereforms. At the same time, COTAis paying for the lobbyingservices of a private firm,which is on the aged careindustry’spayroll. CPSA calls on COTAto publicly state how itcan credibly representthe interests of aged careconsumers by engaging anindustry-friendlylobbygroupaswellasacceptGovernmentfunding to support theindustry-dominatedNACA.
CPSACampaigns
THE COUNCIL on theAgeing Australia (COTA)has come under fire atrecent Senate Estimatesover its being awardedGovernment contractswhile being a client of aprivatelobbyfirm.Oppositionspokespersonfor Ageing, SenatorConcetta Fierrevanti-Wells questioned the‘appropriateness’ofrecentGovernment grants madetoCOTAwhen it is listedontheAustralianLobbyistRegisterasaclientoflobbyfirmCPRCommunicationsand Public Relations PtyLtd(CPR). COTA is one of thestrongestsupportersoftheAustralian Government’sLiving Longer. Living Better. aged care reformsand is a key ‘consumerorganisation’ sitting onseveral committees thatareadvisingtheAustralian
Governmentonthereformprocess. COTAisalsoamemberandsponsoroftheNationalAged Care Alliance(NACA). NACA is an industry-heavy lobby group whichthe Minister for AgeingMarkButleridentifiedasakeyorganisationhewouldconsult regarding thereforms. In August 2012, COTAreceived$973,000fromtheDepartment ofHealth andAgeing toassistNACAtoprovide “co-ordinated andindependent sector adviceto both the Minister forMentalHealthandAgeingand the Department ofHealthandAgeing”. This grant comeshot on the heels of a$410,000 grant to COTAfor “effective consumerengagement in the agedcarereformprocess”.