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15 Rights for older people from identifiable groups

This chapter explains some of the specialist services and supports available to older people who are members of identifiable groups.

  • Older veterans;
  • Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples;
  • Older people with disabilities;
  • Older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and non-Australian citizens; and
  • Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) older people

15.1 Older veterans

Australia’s war veterans are eligible for specific government services and supports. These services and supports are different to the general entitlements for other older Australians in recognition of their service and sacrifice in defence of our nation.

(a) The Service Pension

The Service Pension is paid by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to eligible veterans on the basis of invalidity or age. The age service pension is paid to veterans earlier than the general Age Pension. From 2013, you may be eligible to receive the Service Pension when you are aged 60 years for men and between 55 and 60 years for women, depending on when you were born.

(b) The Disability Pension

Disability Pensions are available to eligible veterans with injuries or diseases caused by or aggravated by service before 1 July 2004. The amount you receive will depend on the level of incapacity suffered as a result of service.

(c) War Widow’s/Widower’s Pensions

War Widow’s/Widower’s Pensions are available to eligible widowed partners of veterans who have died as a result of war service or eligible defence service.

(d) The Pensioner Concession Card

The Pensioner Concession Card is available to all those who receive the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension, Age Pension and War Widow’s/Widower’s Pension. This entitles you to the same concessions as Centrelink’s Pensioner Concession Card.

For more information about government assistance through the Department of Veterans’ Affairs contact 133 254.

(e) The Pension Loans Scheme

People who have reached the Department of Veterans’ Affairs pension age but do not receive a full pension because of the income or assets test may be eligible to participate in the Pension Loans Scheme. This provides you with a fortnightly payment of up to the maximum pension rate. The loan is secured against any real estate that you own including the home in which you live. The loan reduces the equity in your nominated real estate. It includes interest payments calculated on a fortnightly basis each pension pay day.

For more information contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254.

(f) Veterans’ healthcare information

Veterans may be eligible for a Repatriation Health Card. There are different kinds of Health Cards with different levels of cover.

A Gold Health Card entitles holders to a full range of health care services, aids and appliances without cost. A White Health Card entitles holders to treatment without cost, but only for those conditions related to service. An Orange Health Card entitles you to subsidised medicines. Eligibility for the different types of card depends on your age, your service, the rate of your disability pension, the level of your incapacity, and how your injuries were caused.

Veterans can access information on health and medicines through Veterans’ Medicines Advice and Therapeutics Education Services (MATES). Visit www.veteransmates.net.au.

For more information about health care for veterans contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254.

(g) Veterans’ aged care information

Veterans’ Home Care (VHC) assists eligible veterans and war widows/widowers to live independently at home. Care provided can include domestic assistance, personal care, home maintenance and respite care. You may have to pay capped co-payments. You must be assessed as eligible by a Veteran Home Care assessor. Contact a VHC assessment agency on 1300 550 450.

Veterans can access residential aged care in the same way. Special rules apply to veterans in paying residential aged care fees. Veterans may need to pay a daily fee. Eligible veterans or widows/widowers on a disability or service pension will not have their DVA pensions considered to pay the income tested fee.

To find a residential aged care home where you can live with other veterans call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

(h) Veterans’ transport services

Under the Repatriation Transport Scheme eligible veterans and war widows/widowers can claim travelling expenses related to visits to health providers for medical transport or disability claims. For more information contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254.

(i) Veterans’ bereavement support

A bereavement payment can be claimed to help with costs following the death of a person on selected Department of Veterans’ Affairs pensions. It is generally payable to the surviving partner of the veteran or to the deceased person’s estate, if the pensioner was single, separated, or widowed. Surviving partners generally do not need to apply for this payment. The payment should be automatic upon notification of the death to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.

If the veteran was single then a bereavement payment may be payable to the deceased estate. An application for payment must be made within 12 months of the veteran’s death. Contact your nearest DVA office or visit the DVA website at www.dva.gov.au/dvaforms.

A funeral benefit is a one-off payment, to assist with the funeral costs of an eligible veteran or dependant. A number of eligibility criteria apply. An application for a funeral benefit must be made on a Funeral Benefit Form within 12 months of the death, or from the date that the veteran’s death was accepted as war caused.

Contact the Department of Veterans’ Affairs for more information on 133 254.

(j) Veterans’ counselling services

Veterans and their families can access the Veterans and Veterans’ Families Counselling Service for counselling and group programs. You can contact the service on 1800 011 046 24 hours a day.

15.2 Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

In recognition of the unique status of Australia’s first peoples and in recognition of lower life expectancy levels, certain services are specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in need of aged care can access Flexible Aged Care services that are culturally responsive and appropriate. For more information, including the name of a service that is near you, call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422.

It is unlawful for anyone to discriminate in the provision of

(a) The Centrelink Indigenous Call Centre

The Centrelink Indigenous Call Centre can be contacted for more information on government assistance. Phone the Centrelink Indigenous Call Centre on 1800 136 380.

(b) The Remote Area Allowance

The Remote Area Allowance provides additional income to people living in remote areas. You must live in a qualifying tax zone and receive an income support payment like the Age Pension or the Disability Support Pension. Contact the Centrelink Indigenous Call Centre on 1800 136 380 or visit www.humanservices.gov.au for more information.

(c) The ASIC Indigenous (Financial) Help Line

ASIC regulates credit and financial services and produces financial literacy information for people. You can call ASIC’s Indigenous Helpline on 1300 365 957. You can also view ASIC’s Indigenous publications on topics including superannuation, paying for funerals, credit and insurance at www.moneysmart.gov.au and then click on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags.

(d) Money Management Services

Money Management Services operate in locations in Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia, NSW and Western Australia. These services offer practical support through free courses that can help you to manage your finances. Money Management Services are run through community organisations. Some of these organisations provide ongoing support with money matters.

NT
The Smith Family, Darwin
08 8985 6841
Australian Red Cross, Darwin
08 8924 3969
Bawinanga Aboriginal Council, Maningrida
08 8979 5799
CatholicCare NT, Tennant Creek
08 8962 3065
East Arnhem Shire Council, East Arnhem
08 8987 9265
HK Training and Consultancy, West Arnhem
08 8927 2499
Kalano Community Association, Katherine
08 8972 8226
Laynhapuy Homelands Association, Yirrkala
08 8939 1800
Lutheran Community Care, Alice Springs
08 8953 5160
Tiwi Islands Training and Employment Board, Tiwi Islands
08 8970 9176
QLD
Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network (ICAN)
1300 369 878
WA
Kununurra Waringarri Aboriginal Corporation, Kununurra
08 9168 1528
Kimberley Employment Services, Broome
08 9192 6700
Kimberley Money Management, Derby
08 9193 1834

 

(e) Indigenous Money Mentor Network

You can access help with your finances through the Indigenous Money Mentor Network. This service can provide you with financial literacy information and referral. It also offers individual financial assistance to help improve your financial wellbeing.

NSW
Lismore Neighbourhood Centre, Lismore
02 6621 7397
Muru Mittigar Cultural and Education Centre, Western Sydney
02 4730 2774
NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Parramatta
1300 660 674
WA
Wunan, Kununurra
08 9168 3881
NT
Anglicare NT, Alice Springs
08 8951 8000
Anglicare NT, Darwin
08 8985 0000

 

(f) Medicare Indigenous Access Unit

Call the Medicare Indigenous Access Unit for more information about Medicare on 1800 556 955. You can also visit the Department of Human Services website at www.humanservices.gov.au/medicare.

 

(g) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander legal services can help you with advice and information about legal matters.

ACT
NSW
Aboriginal Legal Service NSW/ACT
1800 733 233 or 02 8303 6600
NT
North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency
1800 898 251
Central Australian Aboriginal Legal Aid Service
1800 636 079
Qld
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service Queensland
1800 012 255
SA
Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement SA
1800 643 222
Tas
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre – Legal
1800 132 260
Vic
Victorian Aboriginal Legal Service
1800 064 865
WA
Aboriginal Legal Service of Western Australia
1800 019 900

 

(h) Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander family violence legal services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander family violence legal services can assist with family violence problems and elder abuse.

NT
Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit, Alice Springs
1800 088 884
North Australian Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service, Darwin
1800 041 998
North Australian Aboriginal Family Violence Legal Service, Katherine
1800 184 868
Central Australian Aboriginal Family Legal Unit, Tennant Creek
1800 068 830
Qld
Queensland Indigenous Family Violence Legal Service
07 4030 0400
SA
Family Violence Legal Service, Aboriginal Corporation, Ceduna
1800 839 059
Family Violence Legal Service, Aboriginal Corporation, Port Augusta
1800 111 052
Family Violence Legal Service, Aboriginal Corporation, Port Lincoln
1800 309 912
Vic
Aboriginal Family Violence Prevention and Legal Service, Victoria
1800 105 303 or 03 9244 3333
WA
Aboriginal Family Law Service, Family Violence Prevention Services
08 9355 1502 or 1800 469 246

 

(i) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counselling services

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander counselling services provide a range of services to assist with issues ranging from loss and grief to managing mental health issues.

NSW
Relationships Australia
1300 364 277 or 02 8352 2888
NT
Central Australian Congress Social and Emotional Wellbeing, Alice Springs
08 8951 4444
Danila Dilba Health Service, Darwin
08 8942 5444
Wurli-Wurlinjang Health Service, Katherine
08 8972 9100
Qld
Gallang Place, Brisbane
07 3844 2283
 
Palm Island Mental Health Service, Palm Island
07 4752 5100
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service Healing Centre, Brisbane
07 3240 8907
Townsville Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Services Mental Health Unit, Townsville
04 88 527 344
SA
Nunkuwarrin Yunti, Adelaide
08 8406 1600
Tas
Relationships Australia
1300 364 277 or 03 6211 4050
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, Hobart
03 6234 0700
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, Launceston
03 6332 3800
Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, Burnie
03 6431 3289
Vic
Victorian Aboriginal Health Service, Melbourne
03 9403 3300
WA
Yorgum Aboriginal Family Counselling Service, Perth
08 9218 9477

 

(j) Indigenous Employment Program

Eligible participants can access the Indigenous Employment Program. This program works with Job Services Australia to help you get a job, stay employed, develop your career or own and operate your own business. Call the Indigenous Employment Line on 1802 102 for more information.

 

(k) Abstudy

Abstudy is available to eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to support you while you complete an apprenticeship or study. For more information contact the Centrelink Abstudy line on 1800 132 317 or visit www.humanservices.gov.au.

 

(l) Race discrimination

It is unlawful for anyone to discriminate against you because of your race. The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) (the RDA) makes it against the law to treat you unfairly because of your race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin or immigrant status. Racial hatred is also against the law.

It is unlawful for people to discriminate against you in the following areas:

  • Employment – getting a job, terms and conditions of a job, training, promotion, being dismissed;
  • Education – enrolling or studying in a course at a private or public school, college or university;
  • Accommodation – renting or buying a house or unit;
  • Getting or using services – such as banking or insurance services, services provided by government departments, transport or telecommunication services, professional services like those provided by lawyers, doctors or tradespeople, services provided by restaurants, shops or entertainment venues; and
  • Accessing public places – such as parks, government offices, restaurants, hotels or shopping centres.

For more information or to make a complaint, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1300 656 419 or 02 9284 9888 or 1800 620 241 (toll free) or by email: complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au.

 

15.3 Older people with disabilities

Supports and services are available to eligible Australians who have or acquire a significant and permanent disability. While most disability services are administered by state and territory governments, the disability system is undergoing change and progressively moving to a national system, DisabilityCare Australia.

Older Australians who have or acquire a disability may also access support through the Australian Aged Care System.

The system that is available to you will depend on the age at which you were assessed as having a disability. If you were assessed as having a significant and permanent disability before the age of 65 you can access disability support services. If you were assessed at age 65 or older you can access services through the Australian Aged Care System.

(a) Disability care and services

Most disability services are delivered by the states and territories while the system is being nationalised. If you live in an area where DisabilityCare Australia is not yet available, disability services will be delivered by a relevant authority in your state or territory.

ACT
Disability ACT
133 427
NSW
Ageing Disability and Home Care
02 9377 6000
NT
Office of Disability
1800 139 656
Qld
Disability Services
1800 177 120
SA
Disability Information and Referrals
1300 786 117
Tas
Disability and Community Services Gateway Services
1800 171 233
Vic
Department of Human Services Disability Intake and Response Service
03 9843 6000
WA
Disability Services Commission
1800 998 214

 

(b) DisabilityCare Australia

From 1 July 2013, Australia’s support system for people with a significant and permanent disability is being progressively replaced with DisabilityCare Australia. DisabilityCare Australia will first launch in Tasmania, South Australia, the Hunter area in NSW and the Barwon area in Victoria. From July 2014, DisabilityCare Australia will launch in sites in the ACT and NT. DisabilityCare Australia will be available across Queensland from 2016.

You can receive assistance through DisabilityCare Australia if you were assessed as having a disability before the age of 65 and you live in an area where DisabilityCare Australia is available. When you turn 65 you will have a choice about whether to continue to access services through DisabilityCare Australia or to access services through the aged care system. However, if you move into residential aged care, you will automatically be moved into the aged care system.

For information about DisabilityCare Australia contact 1800 800 110.

(c) Disability services through Australia’s Aged Care System

If you are assessed to have a disability after the age of 65, you will receive services and support for your disability through Australia’s Aged Care System. Aged Care Assessment Teams assist older people and their carers to work out what kind of care will best meet their needs. Your doctor or local hospital can refer you to an Aged Care Assessment Team or you can contact them directly on 1800 200 422.

(d) The Disability Support Pension

The Disability Support Pension provides income support for eligible people who are permanently blind or have a physical, intellectual or psychiatric impairment. You must be under Age Pension age to initially claim the Disability Support Pension and once you reach age 65 you can choose to remain on that pension or move to the Age Pension. For more information contact Centrelink on 13 27 17 or visit www.humanservices.gov.au.

(e) Mobility Allowance

Mobility Allowance is for eligible people who cannot use public transport without substantial assistance and need to travel to work, volunteer or study. For more information contact Centrelink on 13 27 17 or visit www.humanservices.gov.au.

(f) Other supports and services

A range of other supports and services may be available to you. They include advocacy services, captioning services, and a plan to increase the number of cinemas in Australia that are accessible to people with a disability.

For more information about services in your area, contact the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Ingenious Affairs on 1300 653 227 or visit their website at www.fahcsia.gov.au.

(g) Disability employment services

JobAccess can help people with disability to find work. They can also assist you when you are at work. Contact JobAccess on 1800 464 800.

Disability Employment Services can help people with a disability find work as well as providing assistance for you if you are already in employment. Contact them on 1800 805 260.

(h) Legal services specialising in disability

The following organisations offer specialised legal services for people with a disability.

ACT
Disability Discrimination Legal Service, Welfare Rights and Legal Centre
02 6218 7918
NSW
Australian Centre for Disability Law
1800 800 708
NT
Aged and Disability Advocacy Service, Darwin Community Legal Centre
1800 812 953 or 08 8982 1111
Qld
Disability Discrimination Advocacy Service, Welfare Rights Legal Centre
07 3847 5532
SA
Disability Discrimination Service, Central Community Legal Service
08 8342 1800
Tas
Disability Discrimination Service, Launceston Community Legal Centre
1800 066 019
Vic
Disability Discrimination Legal Service
1300 882 872
WA
Disability Discrimination Unit, Sussex St Community Legal Centre
08 6253 9500
 
Individual Disability Advocacy Service, Sussex St Community Legal Centre
1300 648 655

 

(i) Disability discrimination

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth) makes it unlawful for people to discriminate against you in the following areas:

  • Employment – getting a job, terms and conditions of a job, training, promotion, being dismissed;
  • Education – enrolling or studying in a course at a private or public school, college or university;
  • Accommodation – renting or buying a house or unit;
  • Getting or using services – such as banking and insurance services, services provided by government departments, transport or telecommunication services, professional services like those provided by lawyers, doctors or tradespeople, services provided by restaurants, shops or entertainment venues; and
  • Accessing public places – such as parks, government offices, restaurants, hotels or shopping centres.

You can also use the Disability Discrimination Act if you are harassed because of your disability.

For more information or to make a complaint, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1300 656 419 or 02 9284 9888 or 1800 620 241 (toll free) or by email: complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au.

 

15.4 Older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and non-Australian citizens

If you are from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background you may have specific requirements as you age. For example you may need services delivered in your first language; you may have specific dietary requirements based on your culture or religion; and you may need to observe certain practices that are dictated by your faith.

You may also be a member of a cultural or ethnic group or club, and your attachment to this group may be more important as you age.

There are some services, including aged care services, which cater for people from diverse cultural backgrounds with specific language and other needs.

(a) Aged care services for people from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds

It is important your age care service provider is as responsive as possible to your language and cultural requirements. While it will not always be possible to obtain a service that is completely perfect, you should talk to your age care provider to make sure that they are providing the best possible service for your needs.

Many aged care providers offer services for people from diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds and offer culturally sensitive care. For example, some cater for specific language groups, diets, activities, or spiritual needs. Phone My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to find a service near you.

(b) Language services

The Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP) provides free English language courses to eligible migrants. This is available to people who are over 18, have little or no English and hold a permanent visa. For more information contact the Department of Immigration and Citizenship on 133 881.

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) allows you to access an interpreter over the telephone. Interpreters speak more than 170 languages and dialects and the service is available 24 hours a day. Phone 131 450 to access this service.

Older people who speak other languages can access Centrelink’s Multilingual Phone Service. You will be able to speak to someone about payments in your own language. Phone 13 12 02 to access the service.

Centrelink and Medicare have free interpreter and translation services so ask about this at your local office.

(c) Multicultural Service Officers

Centrelink has Multicultural Service Officers to help migrant and refugee people to access information about government payments and services. Around 70 Multicultural Service Officers operate across Australia from metropolitan, regional, and rural centres. Ask your local Centrelink office if this service is available to you.

(d) Australian residency and citizenship and income support

To receive many Centrelink payments, including the Age Pension, you must meet residency requirements. These vary for each payment but generally, you must be an Australian citizen, hold a permanent resident visa or fall within an exception.

If you don’t meet these requirements you may be able to get an Australian pension if you have lived or worked in a country that has an international social security agreement with Australia. Ask your local Centrelink staff about your eligibility for income support payments. If you need assistance with translation, call Centrelink’s Multilingual Phone Service on 13 12 02 for information about Centrelink payments.

(e) Claiming a pension from a foreign country

You can receive help to claim for a foreign pension from a non-agreement country by calling Centrelink International Services on 13 16 73 or visiting their website at www.humanservices.gov.au.

(f) Claiming income support while overseas

If you don’t live in Australia but are eligible for income support payments, you may be able to claim payments while you are abroad. It will depend on the type of payment. For example, a person can get a full means tested Age Pension while overseas if they have had an Australian working life residence of 25 years. People who have been a resident for less than 25 years between the ages of 16 and Age Pension age will receive a smaller proportional amount based on how many years they have been resident in Australia.

(g) Centrelink’s Financial Information Services translated

Centrelink’s Financial Information Service (FIS) can be accessed through an interpreter. Phone Centrelink’s Multilingual Phone Service on 13 12 02 to access.

(h) ASIC’s MoneySmart information translated

ASIC’s MoneySmart publications and audio are available in 26 languages. To access these visit www.moneysmart.gov.au/tools-and-resources/publications/other-languages.

(i) Language, literacy and numeracy program for employment

Job seekers who are registered with Centrelink may be eligible to access the Language, Literacy and Numeracy Program to learn skills that can assist them to find employment. Contact Centrelink’s Multilingual Phone Service on 13 12 02 to find out if you are eligible.

(j) Translating healthcare information

NPS Medicinewise has translated information about medicines. It is accessible online at www.nps.org.au/translated-health-information-about-medicines.

(k) Translating legal services information

Most legal aid services offer can offer specialist help including translators and translated materials. Contact the legal aid provider in your state or territory for more information.

ACT
Legal Aid ACT
1300 654 314
NSW
LawAccess NSW
1300 888 529
NT
NT Legal Aid Commission
1800 019 343
Qld
Legal Aid Queensland
1300 65 11 88
SA
Legal Services Commission of SA
1300 366 424 or 08 8463 3555
Tas
Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania
1300 366 611 or 03 6236 3800
Vic
Victoria Legal Aid
1800 677 402 or 03 9269 0120
WA
Legal Aid Western Australia
1300 650 579 or 08 9261 6222

 

(l) Race discrimination

It is unlawful for anyone to discriminate against you because of your race. The Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) (the RDA) makes it against the law to treat you unfairly because of your race, colour, descent, national or ethnic origin or immigrant status. Racial hatred is also against the law.

It is unlawful for people to discriminate against you in the following areas:

  • Employment – getting a job, terms and conditions of a job, training, promotion, being dismissed;
  • Education – enrolling or studying in a course at a private or public school, college or university;
  • Accommodation – renting or buying a house or unit;
  • Getting or using services – such as banking or insurance services, services provided by government departments, transport or telecommunication services, professional services like those provided by lawyers, doctors or tradespeople, services provided by restaurants, shops or entertainment venues; and
  • Accessing public places – such as parks, government offices, restaurants, hotels or shopping centres.

For more information or to make a complaint, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1300 656 419 or 02 9284 9888 or 1800 620 241 (toll free) or by email: complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au.

 

15.5 Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) older people

Centrelink recognises the following relationships: married couples, people in a registered relationship (opposite-sex or same sex), or people in de facto relationships (opposite-sex or same-sex).

This means that if you are in a same-sex relationship, you may be eligible for all couple-specific payments, such as bereavement payments or widow allowances.

Partnered people receive a different rate of payment to singles. Partnered people have their income and assets assessed together wherever income and assets are assessed to determine eligibility for a payment. Contact Centrelink on 13 23 00 or visit www.humanservices.gov.au for more information about your eligibility.

(a) Aged care services for LGBTI people

Some aged care providers provide aged care packages specifically for LGBTI older people. Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 to find a service near you.

Your aged care provider cannot deny you a service because of your LGBTI status. You can call the Australian Human Rights Commission to make a complaint if you are discriminated against on the basis of LGBTI status. The Commission can investigate the complaint and try to resolve it by conciliation. Phone the Complaint Info Line on 1300 656 419. You can also ask a solicitor or advocate or to make a complaint on your behalf.

(b) Legal services for LGBTI people

Some states offer specialised legal services for all LGBTI people. In other states and territories contact your legal aid service.

ACT
Legal Aid ACT
1300 654 314
NSW
Gay and Lesbian Legal Advice Service (GLAS), Inner City Legal Centre
1800 244 481
NT
NT Legal Aid Commission
1800 019 343
Qld
LGBTI Legal Service Inc.
0401 936 232
SA
Legal Services Commission of SA
1300 366 424 or 08 8463 3555
Tas
Legal Aid Commission of Tasmania
1300 366 611 or 03 6236 3800
Vic
LGBTIQ Legal Advice Service, Fitzroy Legal Service
03 9419 3744
WA
Legal Aid Western Australia
1300 650 579

 

(c) Counselling services for LGBTI people

Many states and territories offer confidential and free counselling services over the telephone. Note that these services usually operate in evening hours only. Calling 1800 18 4527 (1800 18 GLCS) will direct you to the service in your state or territory.

NSW
Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service NSW
02 8594 9596
Qld
Gay and Lesbian Welfare Association Gay Line and Lesbian Line
07 3017 1717
SA
Gay and Lesbian Community Services
08 8193 0800
Tas
Vic
Gay and Lesbian Switchboard
03 9663 2939
WA
Gay and Lesbian Community Services Telephone Counselling and Information Line
08 9420 7201

 

(d) Discrimination and LGBTI people

Discrimination against older LGBTI people is unlawful. No person should be treated less favourably because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status.

The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) provides protections for all people of LGBTI status, regardless of age. It is unlawful for people to discriminate against you in the following areas:

  • Employment – getting a job, terms and conditions of a job, training, promotion, being dismissed;
  • Education – enrolling or studying in a course at a private or public school, college or university;
  • Accommodation – renting or buying a house or unit; and
  • Getting or using services – such as banking and insurance services, services provided by government departments, transport services, professional services like those provided by lawyers, doctors or tradespeople, services provided by restaurants, shops or entertainment venues.

Most aged care services are funded by the Australian Government, and approximately 30 percent of these are delivered by religious organisations. It is against the law for any aged care provider, whether religious or otherwise, to discriminate against you on the basis of your LGBTI status.

For more information or to make a complaint, contact the Australian Human Rights Commission on 1300 656 419 or 02 9284 9888 or 1800 620 241 (toll free) or by email: complaintsinfo@humanrights.gov.au.