Age Concern New Zealand Media release

Older people need support, not ads – Age Concern

9 December 2009

Government needs to get its priorities right, says Age Concern. They say there's no money for older people facing elder abuse but today they've announced a $15 million electricity marketing campaign.

"Money that could have been used to protect abused older people will go to ad agencies and consultants," national president Liz Baxendine says.

"Age Concern New Zealand was told yesterday by Government that there's no money for further elder abuse and neglect prevention services so some abused older people will have to go without.

"Yet today Gerry Brownlee announced a $15 million fund to promote customer switching between power retailers.

"Older people don't need an ad campaign. They are already good at shopping around for the best prices, because they have to. What they can't shop around for is an elder abuse and neglect prevention service. In seven key parts of the country there isn't one, because there's no money.

"It's time for Minister for Senior Citizens John Carter to do more to advocate for his portfolio," Liz Baxendine says. "Other Government ministers don't seem to have trouble getting funding for their projects.

"It's appalling that vulnerable older people in areas with significant senior populations aren't getting the support they need while Government funds ad campaigns."

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