Elaine Heskett OAM and Robin Wright from Moruya CWA addressing the FSC CWA Brancg meeting in Bega. Photo: Ian Campbell.
Members of the Country Women’s Associaton (CWA) in the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla are concerned older people living with disabilities are missing out on assistance and support.
In a motion presented to the Far South Coast CWA Group meeting in Bega yesterday (October 21), Moruya’s Elaine Heskett made the case for federal funding of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) beyond the age of 65.
“It’s [NDIS] aim was to provide support, care, and equipment so necessary for people with an approved disability to live full and meaningful lives and help them achieve goals,” Ms Heskett says.
“For those 65 or over, even though they may have had an approved disability for many years, they are not eligible to participate.
“Similarly, any person who develops an approved disability after age 65, they too are also excluded.
“These people are required to access their disability or aged care requirements via ‘My Aged Care’.
“My Aged Care does not meet the needs of many people in this age group, particularly those with a disability because it is presently underfunded by the Government.”
In an impassioned plea, Ms Heskett spoke of waiting times of between three and six months to access a level one My Aged Care plan and 12 months plus for higher plans.
“A poor substitute for the NDIS,” Ms Heskett says.
“This represents blatant age discrimination by our Government – why are older Australians with an approved disability required to access My Aged Care for their needs and not the NDIS?
“I have many friends who have guide dogs and also have an NDIS plan, they receive $2,500 per year to cover their guide dog’s vet fees, food, equipment, washing and grooming. This is not available to those on any My Aged Care plans.”
In talking of the government’s response to the issue, Ms Hasket pointed to comments made by Prime Minister Scott Morrison during the recent election campaign – “I will look into it and if we need to commit more funds we will.”
A unanimous endorsement of the Far South Coast CWA Branch. Photo: Ian Campbell.
Following the unanimous endorsement of the Far South Coast CWA Group, which takes in ladies from Batemans Bay, Moruya, Narooma, Tibla, Bodalla, Cobargo, Bermagui, Bega, Pambula-Merimbula, and Eden, the issue will be discussed further at the CWA NSW Conference in May next year in Newcastle.
From there the matter could become part of the movement’s issues platform with the combined weight of the CWA thrown into advocacy and lobbying of the Commonwealth Government.
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