The Federal Government will develop a National LGBTI Aged Care Strategy to support the implementation of the $3.7 billion aged care reform package, Living Longer Living Better, that was announced on April 20 this year.

 

LGBTI stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans/transgender and intersex people.



Minister for Ageing Mark Butler said he had acted on the advice of the Productivity Commission as well as groups like the ACON Health Ltd, the National LGBTI Health Alliance and the GLBTI Retirement Association.



“We are predicting a large increase in the demand for aged care by this group,” Mr Butler said.



“And there is a broad community consensus that it is important to recognise people who are LGBTI in the same way as we recognise the needs of other diverse groups such as people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.



“Ultimately it’s about recognising difference and ensuring equality.



“We will work with the National LGBTI Health Alliance to develop a comprehensive strategy to make sure the needs of LGBTI Australians are addressed in the implementation of our $3.7 billion aged care reform package,” Mr Butler said.



Mr Butler said the strategy builds on the support already announced Living Longer Living Better package already provides support for LGBTI Australians.



“In April, I announced $2.5 million to support staff training that is sensitive to the specific needs of these older Australians,” Mr Butler said.



“This funding supports aged care providers to work with their staff to continually improve how they respond to the diverse and complex needs of the older Australians they support.



“The National LGBTI Aged Care Strategy will provide direction for providers and better articulate and coordinate our aims.