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Statement on the passing of First Nations Trailblazer Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue

7 FEBRUARY 2024

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr Lowitja O'Donoghue AC CBE DSG earlier this week.

A proud Yankunytjatjara woman, Dr O'Donoghue was a vocal advocate for the rights of First Nations people and lived her life in pursuit of justice and equality.

A true trailblazer, her dedication, passion, and courage to improving the lives of First Nations Australians was an inspiration, and we pay tribute to her remarkable legacy.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - Elder Abuse: Perception vs Reality

MEDIA RELEASE 13 JUNE 2023

Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) is once again leading the conversation around elder abuse, hosting its 18th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) conference. This year the online forum will focus on the theme 'Elder Abuse - Perception vs Reality,' exploring the gap between what older people actually experience and their understanding (or perception) of those experiences.

The forum will be held on Friday, 16 June 2023 at 10am ACST and will be opened by the Honourable Chris Picton MP, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

MEDIA RELEASE WEAAD 2023

ARAS Chairperson appointed as new Chair of Aged Care Council of Elders

MEDIA RELEASE 28 April 2023

Anne Burgess, Chairperson of Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) has been appointed as the new Chair of Aged Care Council of Elders.

MEDIA RELEASE ARAS Chairperson appointed as new Chair of Aged Care Council of Elders

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - let's talk about elder abuse and how to prevent it!   

MEDIA RELEASE 17 JUNE 2022

Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) has held an annual WEAAD conference for the past 16 years, and this year, similar to the past two years, will be hosting a WEAAD online forum, with 'Building resilience' as the theme, focusing on building resilience to support and safeguard older Australians.

The forum will be held today, from 10.00am to 1.00pm ACST, and will be opened by the Honourable Chris Picton MP, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

MEDIA RELEASE WEAAD 2022

OPAN Position statement – Election 2022                       

We call on all political leaders and the incoming Government to make a commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of older people. We have identified five priority areas that can help deliver on an aged care system that is underpinned by legislation that respects, protects, and enforces the rights of all older people; and provides older people with services that are accessible, equitable and responsive to their needs and preferences. Read the full position statement here

Restrictive practices

MEDIA RELEASE 9 MARCH 2022

Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) remains concerned that restrictive practices continue to be used on older people living in residential aged care without adequate independent authorisation as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

ARAS is supportive of the Ageing and Adult Safeguarding (Restrictive Practices) Amendment Bill (27 October 2021), introduced by the Hon. John Darley, which was designed to afford the same rights and protections to older people living in aged care as afforded to people living with a disability in South Australia. 

MEDIA RELEASE Restrictive practices

ARAS responds to the closing of Annie Lockwood Court at Kindred Living (Residential Aged Care Home) in Whyalla

MEDIA RELEASE 30 JULY 2021

ARAS acknowledges that the closing of Annie Lockwood Court at Kindred Living in Whyalla is deeply distressing for residents and family members, and the community of Whyalla.

Carolanne Barkla, Chief Executive of ARAS, says, "ARAS intends to support and work with the residents and their representatives, ensuring their rights, entitlements and options are upheld during this difficult time. ARAS believes that all older people should have equity of access to safe, high quality aged care services."

If you need advocacy support or information, please contact ARAS on (08) 8232 5377 or toll-free 1800 700 600.

MEDIA RELEASE ARAS responds to the closing of Annie Lockwood Court at Kindred Living (Residential Aged Care Facility) in Whyalla

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - let’s talk about elder abuse prevention!   

MEDIA RELEASE 17 JUNE 2021

Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) has held an annual WEAAD conference for the past 15 years, and this year will be hosting its second WEAAD online forum, with ‘Elder abuse prevention – let’s talk’ as the theme.

The forum will be held on today, from 10.30am to 1.30pm ACST, and will be opened by the Honourable Stephen Wade MLC, Minister for Health and Wellbeing.

MEDIA RELEASE World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - let’s talk about elder abuse prevention!  

ARAS Chairperson awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

MEDIA RELEASE 28 JANUARY 2021

Anne Burgess, Chairperson of Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) has been recognised in the Australia Day 2021 Honours list and appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant service to mental health, gender equality and older people.

MEDIA RELEASE ARAS Chairperson awarded Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

Aged Rights Advocacy Service awarded Certificate level ASES accreditation

MEDIA RELEASE 18 JANUARY 2021

Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS) has been awarded Certificate level accreditation by the Australian Service Excellence Standards (ASES).

MEDIA RELEASE Aged Rights Advocacy Service awarded Certificate level ASES accreditation

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Together we are better, always!

MEDIA RELEASE 11 JUNE 2020

ARAS has held an annual WEAAD conference for the past 14 years, and this year will be hosting an inaugural WEAAD
online forum, with 'Together we are better' as the theme.

MEDIA RELEASE World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Together we are better, always!

Former Chair of Aged Rights Advocacy Service honoured in Queen's Birthday list

MEDIA RELEASE 8 June 2020 

Joan Stone, former Chair of Aged Rights Advocacy Service (ARAS), is awarded an AM in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list, for her significant contribution to championing the rights of older people.

MEDIA RELEASE Former Chair of Aged Rights Advocacy Service honoured in Queen's Birthday list

Industry Code for visiting aged care homes released

MEDIA RELEASE 12 May 2020

The ‘Industry Code for Visiting Residential Aged Care Homes during COVID-19’ has been released by 13 aged care peak bodies and consumer advocacy organisations. The Code creates a nationally consistent approach that ensures residents can receive visitors while minimising the risk of spreading COVID-19.

MEDIA RELEASE Industry Code for visiting aged care homes released

Reaffirmation of aged care visit guidelines must bring an end to insensitive restrictions

MEDIA RELEASE 21 April 2020

Today’s National Cabinet’s reaffirmation that residential aged care providers should not restrict family visit access to residential aged care beyond the existing advice of the National Cabinet has been strongly welcomed by the peak consumer organisations representing older Australians. 

MEDIA RELEASE Reaffirmation of aged care visit guidelines must bring an end to insensitive restrictions

Welfare checks for Senior Australians 

MEDIA RELEASE 8 April 2020

Welfare checks will be conducted on Senior Australians who have elected to defer aged care home services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

MEDIA RELEASE Welfare checks to ensure the wellbeing of Senior Australians

Statement from the Aged Care COVID-19 Preparedness Forum

MEDIA RELEASE 9 March 2020

A joint statement from the Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Minister Colbeck, and Australian Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, about ensuring the delivery of safe, quality care to senior Australians. 

MEDIA RELEASE Statement from the Aged Care COVID-19 Preparedness Forum

Previously

MEDIA RELEASE 25 November 2019 Increased home care packages and chemical restraint reduction investment welcomed - but a 'Last Not First' approach to chemical restraint needed

MEDIA RELEASE 1 November 2019 OPAN responds to release of Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Interim Report

MEDIA RELEASE 15 June 2019 Experts say it’s in our hands and starts here at the WEAAD Conference, Adelaide

MEDIA RELEASE 30 March 2019 Stronger Restraint Regulations to Protect Senior Australians

MEDIA RELEASE 23 March 2019 Australia signs up for a new era of Aged Care rights

MEDIA RELEASE 26 February 2019 Aged Care System Navigators Trials Launched

MEDIA RELEASE 18 January 2019 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

MEDIA RELEASE 17 January 2019 Older Persons Advocacy Network responds to Royal Commission Preliminary Hearing

MEDIA RELEASE 15 September 2018 Increased action urgently needed to lift the quality of aged care

MEDIA RELEASE 8 March 2018 | Call to action for elder abuse to be addressed head-on.

MEDIA RELEASE 2 March 2018 | ICAC REPORT and Lessons Learnt "ARAS is appalled by the ‘shameful’ poor care, abuse and neglect suffered by residents of Oakden. Violence, abuse and neglect is totally unacceptable in any circumstance let alone perpetrated on a group of vulnerable older people."

Effectiveness of the Aged Care Quality Assessment and accreditation framework for protecting residents from abuse and poor practices, and ensuring proper clinical and medical care standards are maintained and practised. [link] https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/AgedCareQuality

Submissions and papers

ARAS Submission SA Elder Abuse March 2017

AUSTRALIAN LAW REFORM COMMISSION INTO ELDER ABUSE DISCUSSION PAPER 83 SUBMISSION BY: AGED RIGHTS ADVOCACY SERVICE INCARAS Submission to Australian Law Reform Commission
Issues paper

ARAS Position Statement - Cameras in Aged Care
September 2016

Australian Law Reform Commission Inquiry
August 2016 - Issues paper cover letter

ARAS Media Release: Elder Abuse
29 July 2016

ARAS Media Release: 7.30 Report and & Elder Abuse
26 July 2016

7.30 Report
July 2016

InDaily Opinion
July 2016