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.