Australian seniors are welcoming the appointment of a full-time, dedicated Age Discrimination Commissioner in Dr Kay Patterson.
A psychologist with expertise in gerontology, Dr Patterson is currently a National Mental Health Commissioner and has served as as a Senator for Victoria and was Minister for Health and Ageing during the Howard Government.
National Seniors Australia’s chief executive Michael O’Neill said Dr Patterson’s wide experience made her well suited to the her new role as Age Discrimination Commissioner.
“Continuing discrimination against older people calls for a cultural change in society and Dr Patterson is well qualified to lead this,” Mr O’Neill said.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the huge contribution of Susan Ryan, who was appointed to the inaugural role of Age Discrimination Commissioner in July 2011.
“Although Ms Ryan also took on the role of Disability Commissioner two years later, she has been an energetic advocate for the rights of older people, including last year calling for a national plan to combat elder abuse,” he said.
“But having the position of Age Discrimination Commissioner restored to a stand-alone role under Dr Patterson is a positive development that we are happy to see.”
Ms Ryan will step down from her dual role in August.
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