1 July2013 THEVOICEOFPENSIONERSANDSUPERANNUANTSOFNSW

THE

VOICECelebrating82yearsofservice

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

Financial abuse tops helpline calls

Continued page 8

2 July2013 THEVOICEOFPENSIONERSANDSUPERANNUANTSOFNSW

CPSAExecutive(as at 6.2.2013)

Grace Selway OAM CPSA President

Bob JayCPSA Secretary

Betty ChamberlainCPSA Treasurer

Bill HollandCPSA Snr Vice PresidentAssistant Treasurer

Janet CoxonCPSA Vice President

Sue LatimerAssistant Secretary

Shirley BainsMargaret Craven-ScottJim GraindaLyn MacIverGeorge RayColin VernonBarbara Wright

THEVOICEOF PENSIONERS AND SUPERANNUANTS OF NSW

Phone: 1800 451 488Fax: (02) 9281 9716Email: voice@cpsa.org.auProduction: Amelia Christie, Charmaine Crowe & Paul VersteegePrinter: MPD, Unit E1, 46-62 Maddox Street, Alexandria NSW 2015

All content is prepared by the editorial and production team with reference to stories on AAP newswire, unless indicated.

THE VOICECPSA, Level 9, 28 Foveaux StSurry Hills NSW 2010

Disclaimer

No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of information contained in advertisements or text supplied by other organisations or individuals and/or typographical errors.

CPSA does not support or promote the products or views in paid advertising.

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.

Donations,Bequests,MembershipandTHEVOICEsubscriptions

MembershipisopentoallwhosupporttheaimsandobjectivesofCPSA

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:_____________________________________________

Please send to: CPSA, Level 9, 28 Foveaux St, Surry Hills NSW 2010

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.

Letters

THE VOICE, CPSA voice@cpsa.org.auLevel 9, 28 Foveaux StSurry Hills NSW 2010

You must include your name and suburb/town for the letter to be published, though these may be omitted in publication if the letter contains personal information. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

SendalettertoTHE VOICE

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.

4 July2013 THEVOICEOFPENSIONERSANDSUPERANNUANTSOFNSW

Members’page

THE e-VOICE is available online.

Visit our website, www.cpsa.org.au, and sign up at THE VOICE - Subscribe

CPSA MerchandiseBadgesMembership : pin or magnet $4.50Title Bar* + pendant $9.00Title Bar* $5.00Pendant $4.00(*except Welfare Officer $10.15Asst Soc. Sec.) $16.15CardsMembership card $0.10Waratah card $1.00

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.

6 July2013 THEVOICEOFPENSIONERSANDSUPERANNUANTSOFNSW

CPSAMemberBenefit

July2013 www.cpsa.org.au 1800451488 7

CPSAConference

Got an energy saving tip?The NSW Government wants to collate a list of energy-saving ideas, and they’d like to hear from you.

Please contact CPSA with your most effective ideas. We’ll publish them in THE VOICE and also pass them on to the NSW Government.

• What have you tried? • What has worked? • What hasn’t?

A couple of tips we’ve received this month have included:

• Use solar lamps - put them out in the day and then into the house in the evening • Use a magnetic underlay instead of an electric blanket

Send your ideas to CPSA:Mail Level 9, 28 Foveaux St, Surry Hills NSW 2010Fax 02 9281 9716Email cpsa@cpsa.org.auOr call Amelia on 1800 451 488.

8 July2013 THEVOICEOFPENSIONERSANDSUPERANNUANTSOFNSW

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.

10July2013THEVOICEOFPENSIONERSANDSUPERANNUANTSOFNSW

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”.

COTA finds itself representing providers

July2013 www.cpsa.org.au 1800451488 11

INCOMESECURITY

CentrelinkAge Pension 13 23 00

DSP/Carer benefits 13 27 17Family Assistance 13 61 50

Welfare Rights CentreInfo on Government pensions

and other benefits(02) 9211 53001800 226 028

National Information Centre on Retirement InvestmentsAnything for the small investor and people wondering about

super or how to invest1800 020 110

Financial Ombudsman Services

Complaints about banking, insurance, super, financial

planning 1300 780 808

Industry Fund FinancialPlanning

1300 138 848

Australian Taxation OfficeSuper/Lost super 13 10 20

Personal tax 13 28 61

British Pensions inAustralia

Assistance in claiming the British Pension1300 308 353

No Interest Loans Scheme1800 509 994

RIGHTS

Australian Human Rights Commission

Complaints about discrimination and

harassment 1300 369 711

Commonwealth Ombudsman

Complaints about Australian Government departments and

agencies 1300 362 072

NSW Ombudsman’s Office Complaints about NSW Government agencies

1800 451 524

NSW Trustee and Guardian1300 360 466

Guardianship Tribunal

Financial management orders for people with decision-making

disabilities1800 463 928

Seniors Information Service13 12 44

Consumer Trader & Tenancy Tribunal

Tenancy, trader and consumer disputes13 32 20

Energy & Water Ombudsman (EWON)Complaints about all NSW electricity/gas retailers and Sydney and Hunter Water

1800 246 545

TelecommunicationsIndustry Ombudsman

Phone and internet complaints 1800 062 058

GOODSANDSERVICE

Telstra Pensioner DiscountFor basic plans only

1800 353 652

NSW Seniors CardDiscounts on goods and services 1300 364 758

NSW Companion CardFree event admission for

companions of eligible people with a disability 1800 893 044

IPART Energy ComparisonCalculator 1300 136 888

HEALTHANDCARE

Commonwealth CareLinkInfo about aged and

community care 1800 052 222

Office of Hearing ServicesSubsidised hearing aids

1800 500 726

Dementia Helpline1800 100 500

Private Health Insurance Ombudsman

Complaints and information1300 737 299

VisionCare NSWSubsidised spectacles

(02) 9344 4122 1800 806 851

Home Care Service NSWDomestic assistance, respite

and personal care 1800 044 043

Rape Crisis Centre24hours/7days 1800 424 017

Health Care Complaints Commission

NSW only (02) 9219 74441800 043 159

Carers NSWInformation, support

1800 242 636Emergency respite

1800 059 059

Aged care information lineResidential and community

aged care information1800 500 853

Aged Care Complaints Scheme

Complaints about residential and community aged care

1800 550 552

LifelineMental health support,

suicide prevention 13 11 14

Beyond BlueDepression and anxiety

information 1300 224 636

Public Dental Health Services

Call NSW Health for details(02) 9391 90001800 639 398

People with DisabilitiesAdvice for people with a

disability(02) 9370 31001800 422 016

Exit AustraliaInformation about euthanasia

1300 103 948

Dying with Dignity NSWLaw reform for assisted dying

(02) 9212 4782www.dwdnsw.org.au

Australian Men’s Shed Association 1300 550 009

HOUSING

CPSA’s Older Persons Tenants’ Service (OPTS)

Advice and advocacy(02) 9566 11201800 131 310

CPSA’s Park and Village Service (PAVS)

Advice and advocacy for residents in residential parks

(02) 9566 10101800 177 688

NSW Department of Housing

Info and applications1300 468 746

Tenants Advice LineMondays 3-6pm1800 251 101

LEGAL

The Aged-care Rights Service including Older Persons’ Legal ServiceAged care and retirement

village advocacy and information and legal advice

for older people.(02) 9281 36001800 424 079

Law AccessReferrals for legal help

1300 888 529

The Law SocietySolicitor and legal firm

referrals1800 422 713

Community Justice Centres Dispute resolution services

for minor matters 1800 990 777

Domestic Violence Advocacy Service

1800 200 526

Family Relationship Centres Relationship and separation information 1800 050 321

Office of the Legal Services Commissioner

Complaints about lawyers and conveyancers 1800 242 958

CPSAInformationDirectory

12 July2013 THEVOICEOFPENSIONERSANDSUPERANNUANTSOFNSW

Giggle Page

Paraprosdokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected. Winston Churchill loved them.

Where there’s a will, I want to be in it.

Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.

We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.

To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.

In filling out an application, where it says, ‘In case of emergency, Notify:’ I put ‘doctor’.

I’m supposed to respect my elders, but it’s getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

You do not need a parachute to skydive. You only need a parachute to skydive twice.

Stair woes

Tom, Paul and Harry went to a party. After the party they returned to the hotel. The hotel was 300 storeys high.

Unfortunately, the lift was not working. They made a plan.

For the first 100 storeys, Tom will crack jokes.

The second 100 storeys Paul will tell a happy story and lastly Harry will tell a sad story. They then started up the steps.

After 2 hours it was Harry’s turn.

He turned to the other two and said “Okay guys, here’s my sad story. I left the keys downstairs”.

Piglet cubs

A mourning tiger in Thailand who lost her cubs was given piglets to nurse.

Crossword SolutionsCrossword on page 4