COTA Australia welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) Ageing and Aged Care Strategy (LGBTI Strategy) Review.
We believe the LGBTI Strategy has provided the first step in creating LGBTI inclusive ageing and aged care in Australia, and provides the foundation needed to develop an effective Diversity Framework for aged care that is inclusive of the LGBTI community.
The LGBTI Strategy has led to an increase in awareness of older LGBTI Australians and seen the development of effective training and resources to support providers. However, a number of systemic issues remain unaddressed since the introduction of the LGBTI Strategy which COTA believes should be prioritised under the Diversity Framework (detailed under section 5.3). These include a more systematic focus on capacity building, consumer empowerment and better supporting carers.
COTA Australia would welcome the opportunity for continued involvement in the development of the Diversity Framework, including the action plan for older LGBTI people (amongst others).
