The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries’ Office of Multicultural Interests has released a new report detailing the challenges faced by older Western Australians from culturally diverse backgrounds.
The Office’s report aims to assist with service planning and work to combat ageism, discrimination and financial stress.
Titled Ageing in Multicultural Western Australia, the report provides a review and analysis of the demographic, social and economic profiles of older Western Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
It identifies major trends and issues to assist in the planning of services, in particular the vulnerability of older CALD women, whose circumstances are often more likely to contribute to difficulties as they age.
Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, Paul Papalia said the report recommended measures to combat ageism, racial discrimination and to provide a financial safety net for older CALD Western Australians who experienced multiple vulnerabilities.
“The report also highlights the need to focus on CALD seniors’ issues as a specific and identifiable component of policy, funding, service delivery and reporting processes,” Mr Papalia said.
“It will assist the State Government in planning for service delivery and the development of culturally appropriate policies and programs for older people.”
Developed after extensive consultation, the report is the result of collaboration between the Office of Multicultural Interests and The University of Western Australia, and includes a decade’s worth of analysis.
The Office’s 63-page report can be accessed at this PS News link.
