Australian Disability and Health News - October 03- 2008

Weekly review of disability and health news of interest to Australian seniors and persons with disabilities.

In Australia up to 1000 people over 65 die every year due to falls, and the number of fall-related injuries requiring hospitalisation is over 45,000 yearly, according to Australian Institute of Health and Welfare studies. The rate of fall-related injury incidents is particularly high for the oldest age group, with women at greatest risk. Fall incidents commonly result in hip fracture or head injury. More info

A new survey has revealed that 50% of Chinese consumers no longer trust New Zealand's food products. The survey reveals the 300 people questioned this month said they were less likely to trust NZ dairy brands, following the melamine contamination scandal.

THE global financial crisis and its implications for Australia will be discussed when Prime Minister Kevin Rudd meets premiers and chief ministers at the Council of Australian Governments. One item for discussion is the federal proposal to take full control of all aged care and give the states total responsibility for disability services and some mental health services. The plan involves carving up the Home and Community Care program.

New Zealand - More than half a million Super Gold Card holders are now eligible for free off-peak public transport. It's part of a new government initiative launched on Wednesday in the main centres. Auckland Regional Transport Authority communications manager Sharon Hunter says buses, trains and harbour ferries are a critical means of getting about for many seniors. On weekdays, the hours of travel are from 9am to 3pm and from 6.30pm until the end of the day's service.

Parliamentary Secretary for International Development Assistance, Bob McMullan, today committed Australia to a leadership role in supporting people with disability in the Asia Pacific. An estimated 650 million people across the world have a disability and about 80 per cent of the population with a disability live in developing countries. The Asia Pacific region is home to two-thirds of this population. “The Australian Government recognises that poverty is both a cause and consequence of disability and is committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach those who are most excluded,” Mr McMullan said.

A report released in Canberra on 25 September finds that the health and well being of Australians aged around 25 years and under have been declining on a range of measures over the last 20 years, even though death rates have dropped considerably. "Orthodox views about youth health and wellbeing tend to underestimate the growing importance of non-fatal, chronic illness – especially mental disorders,” Mr Eckersley says. “Research suggests 20 to 30 per cent of young people are suffering significant psychological distress at any one time, with less severe stress-related symptoms such as frequent headaches, stomach-aches and insomnia affecting as many as 50 per cent.

Over four million Australian families, receive more in welfare than they pay in tax. Pensions have increased in the last decade by 48 per cent, compared with a 30 per cent increase in the CPI. Now we have unemployment figures at 30 year lows and total welfare dependency at record highs. More info

AUSTRALIAN health professionals have expressed a mixed response to a US study which has found an occupational therapist-led approach to treating osteoarthritis could help patients lead more active lives and improve their overall health. The study, led by researchers at the University of Michigan Health System, found patients who adopted an occupational therapist-led approach (known as activity strategy training) together with regular exercise increased their physical activity, Patients who only participated in exercise and health education sessions recorded less of an improvement. Full story

The Australian Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard, has advised that the minimum wage will increase from today.The decision by the Australian Fair Pay Commission earlier this year increases adult rates of pay in Australian Pay and Classification Scales (Pay Scales) by approximately $21.66 per week. From today, the new Federal Minimum Wage is $543.78 per week ($14.31 per hour) up from $522.12 per week ($13.74 per hour). The increases will flow on to minimum rates of pay for junior employees, employees to whom training arrangements apply, employees with a disability and piece workers. From 1 January 2010, under the Government’s workplace relations system, minimum wages will be set by a new independent body, the Fair Work Australia Minimum Wages Panel. Employers and employees wanting more information about the wage increase are encouraged to call the Workplace Info line on 1300 363 264 or visit www.workplace.gov.au

Australia's first goth Mass was held this week, a key part of the nascent Under The Blue Moon Festival, an alternative event for Sydney's goth subculture which has a penchant for all things black and unconventional. The parish of St Luke's was about sharing God's unconditional love of all people, regardless of age, gender, race, marital or family status, sexual orientation, disability or wealth.

A STATE Government program that provides equipment to people with disabilities has been criticised in an audit for repeated management failures. The Government tabled the audit in State Parliament on Wednesday night. Commissioned by NSW Health, it highlighted many failures in the way funds for the multimillion-dollar Program of Appliances for Disabled People had been managed. The program funds wheelchairs, electronic devices and other equipment to people with disabilities who need assistance. The audit found "limited management reporting and financial reporting", unexplained variations between accounts and a lack of controls in the way the program has been managed.

Coming Events:

People who live with a disability will soon have the chance to raise issues which affect them during a conference to be held in Mount Gambier and Millicent. This year’s program will also feature video clips of the personal stories of several South Australians living with disabilities. For more information or to register for the conference phone 8737 8306.

The Trustees invite applicants for the Dawn Slade-Faull Awards. The Awards, of up to $1000, seek to encourage the personal or professional development of persons with a disability who show promise in an area of craft activity or of the visual arts. Any person resident in South Australia with an intellectual, physical, psychiatric or sensory disability is invited to apply. Further information may be obtained by writing to the address below or by phoning Denis on (08) 8332 5171. Guidelines and application forms can be obtained from Karen at Community Choices on (08) 8273 7800 or  by email: karenc@communitychoices.com.au Applications close on 9th January 2009.

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