Thousands of People Supported by Ageing and Disability Commission

The NSW Ageing and Disability Commission has supported thousands of the state’s most vulnerable people across the state during its first year in operation.

Member for Manly James Griffin said the Commission, led by Robert Fitzgerald AM, was helping protect adults with disability and older people from abuse, neglect and exploitation in their family, home and community.

“Everyone has the right to live free from abuse and we all have a role to play to ensure older people and adults with a disability are protected,” Mr Griffin said.

“The Commission has handled more than 3,800 matters in its first year, of which almost two-thirds related to abuse, neglect and exploitation of older people and adults with disability.

“NSW continues to lead the way when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable and this historic Commission’s work is changing lives for the better every day.”

The Ageing and Disability Commission was established last year to improve oversight, strengthen safeguards, and fill a gap not addressed by existing complaint and investigative bodies.

More than 10,000 calls were made to the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline in the last year. The most commonly reported allegations for older people were psychological and financial abuse, while for people with disability, the most commonly reported allegations related to psychological abuse and neglect.

The Commission also plays a pivotal role educating the community and raising awareness. Since its inception, 65 community engagement sessions have been held, reaching about 200,000 frontline workers, service providers and volunteers.

Anyone who suspects that an older person or an adult with a disability is being abused, neglected or exploited in their family, home or the community, should contact the Ageing and Disability Abuse Helpline on 1800 628 221.

For more information about the Commission, visit www.adc.nsw.gov.au.