Stay up to date - Human Rights Act, NEW aged care pricing rules, Seniors Week, Housing and more.

Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland is a statewide not for profit organisation advancing the rights, interests and futures of people as we age.

For over 60 years COTA Queensland has worked with older people to influence decision making and create positive social change. We promote older people’s rights and advocate to Government on issues that affect us all as we age.

Our membership includes individual supporters, community and sector support organisations.

Message from our Chief Executive

COTA Queensland's Chair, Peter Howells and I were recently hosted by our Patron His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC Governor of Queensland and Mrs Kaye de Jersey at Government House at a luncheon for organisations representing the areas of children and youth and the humanitarian and welfare sectors. The Governor and his wife are Patrons of more than 160 organisations with twenty-seven represented on this occasion.

We congratulate the Queensland Parliament for passing the Human Rights Bill 2018. The Queensland Human Rights Act protects 23 human rights and sets the benchmark for all other states and territories.

We were pleased to be one of the organisations that joined the Human Rights for Queensland campaign ably lead by Aimee McVeigh.

The State Inquiry into Aged Care, Palliative Care & End of Life Care and Voluntary Assisted Dying and the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety are key focus areas for us at the moment. We see both as great opportunities to advocate for older people's rights to appropriate care, services and support throughout all stage of life.

Older person's health is high on our agenda and I am currently contributing to the Frail Older Persons Collaborative which aims to support the implementation of Healthy Ageing: A strategy for Older Queenslanders. I am also on the working group which aims to improve quality of acute healthcare for residents of aged care facilities. One of our directors Jean McRuvie is convening a Older Persons Health Policy Panel to inform our advocacy on these issues.

We are currently working with Partners in Change to influence the Queensland Government to develop appropriate Ageing and Work policies and programs. Our population is ageing with more people living longer and healthier lives so we need to celebrate this longevity by embracing and preparing for a multi-generational workforce in Queensland. Professor Linda Rosenman, a COTA Queensland director, is working with us to explore this important ageing issue.

Seniors Housing continues to be a priority area for our policy and advocacy work. We were a member of the State Government's Advisory Taskforce on Residential Transition for Ageing Queenslanders and are currently working with the Department of Housing to provide free community information sessions to help people make considered decisions before deciding to move into a retirement village or manufactured home in a residential park. I also represent COTA on the Housing Minister's Advisory Council overseeing the implementation of the Queensland Housing Strategy 2017-2027.

COTA Queensland will be hosting a series of Community Conversations throughout Queensland over the next few months to inform our work. We are working to create an age-friendly Queensland with vibrant, healthy and equitable communities for all ages and what to discuss what's working well yet what can be improved and how.

We are pleased to be again working with the Queensland Government to plan and coordinate Seniors Week. Over the past few years we have grown this statewide celebration to involve over 870 events over the course of the Week. It is more than morning teas and includes a wide variety of events to connect people as we age to people and services in their community.

Share in $100,000 supporting events and activities held during Seniors Week.

Subsidy applications are open now!! Get in quick as they close 7 April 2019.

Find out more.

Human Right Act for Queensland passed!

The Human Rights Act was passed into law by the Queensland Parliament on 27 February 2019.

COTA Queensland along with a number of other peak and community organisations have been a strong supporter since the beginning.

"Older Queenslanders deserve to have their human rights upheld, be valued and respected in our society. Particularly those who may have declining health and cognitive abilities” said COTA Queensland Chief Executive Mark Tucker-Evans.

Human Rights Act protects our rights to freedom, respect, equality and dignity. The law says we all have the right to access health care and our children have the right to access an education.

If we experience human rights issues, we will be able to complain to Queensland's Human Rights Commission. Our complaint will be listened to and properly considered.

Royal Commission and Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry

Two opportunities to have your say about aged care, palliative care and end of life care.

Let our politicians and decision makers know what is important to you and your family and loved ones, both now and into the future.

Read out more

New aged care pricing rules

This week the Government released new legislative principles which require aged care providers to publish information on the breakdown of costs in home care packages.

The measures require providers to publish the prices of a number of common services found in home care packages, including personal care, nursing, cleaning, light gardening and care management.

Are you a carer of a person with dementia, or know someone who is? The Caring for Carers of People with Dementia project runs support groups by group videoconference for carers who are geographically or socially isolated.

Watch the video to find out more.

Brisbane South Older People's Health and Wellness Strategy 2019-2024

COTA Queensland Chief Executive Mark Tucker-Evans has joined the Brisbane South Older People's Health and Wellness Strategy Committee to guide the successful implementation of the joint Metro South Hospital and Health Service/ Brisbane South PHN Health and Wellness Strategy.

Read more

National Advance Care Planning Week: 1-5 April 2019

National Advance Care Planning Week, initiated by Advance Care Planning Australia is coming soon. Advance Care Planning week is a good time to think about your values and beliefs, talk with your family about your future health care wishes, and make these choices known.

If you were unable to communicate your health care choices to doctors, because of illness or accident, who would speak on your behalf? Would they know and therefore make the same decisions you would make for yourself?

Meet Linda and find out more

Ministerial Housing Council

Last month the Hon. Mick de Brenni MP, Minister for Housing and Public Works, Minister for Digital Technology and Minister for Sport convened the first meeting for 2019 of the Ministerial Housing Council.

The Council heard first hand experiences from members who have been delivering services and providing support to the Townsville community following the flooding event.

Read more

Right Where You Live – Delivering sessions until May 2019.

Are you thinking about moving or buying into a manufactured home in a residential park or retirement village?

Do you know what you’re buying into and how this varies from conventional unit or house purchasing?

Do you know the questions to ask?

We are holding information sessions for clubs and groups around Queensland where you can learn more about:

the characteristics of retirement villages and manufactured home parks
factors to consider when making your decision
recent changes to the law that provide better consumer protections
where to go for more information, advice and support

Find out more and book your session today!

Containers for Change

COTA Queensland is now registered for Containers for Change. This means we’re looking to convert your well earned hydration bottles and cans into additional income.

This income will be used to further support our work in advancing the rights, interests and futures of older Queenslanders.

Simply go to your nearest recycling facility and quote our rego number C10049836.

Shop. Save. Donate.

Did you know you can raise funds (at no extra cost) for COTA Queensland each time you shop online?

Shop with over 600 online stores including eBay, Expedia, ASOS, Amazon Australia, Booktopia + hundreds more. You also get to save with discounts and coupons provided by Shopnate. After you’ve checked out, the retailer will GIVE a donation at absolutely no cost to you!

Your support will help enable a better future for all of us as we age.

If changing your insurance could change the lives of older Australians, would you do it?

COTA Insurance operates as a not for profit insurance agency, meaning every dollar raised after costs is returned to COTA to support their great work in the community.

In 1986, The Council On The Ageing recognised that older Australians weren’t getting a fair insurance deal. So they created COTA Insurance to specialise in the insurance needs of Seniors. For over 30 years since then, we have provided great service and quality coverage to many thousands of customers.

COTA Travel Insurance offers unique policy benefits, including no age restrictions for our single trip travel insurance policies. This has allowed thousands of older Australians to travel, knowing that they are well protected.

COTA Insurance has a stable and experienced team of insurance specialists, and we love talking with people about their insurance needs.

You can call us on 1300 1300 50, or on-line at cota.com.au and our Facebook page.

COTA Insurance – its insurance for a cause.

COTA Travel Insurance is underwritten by certain underwriters at Lloyd’s. Any advice is general. Refer to the PDS to see if the product is right for you.