10. SANDRA GOUDIE (National—Coromandel) Link to this
to the Minister for Senior Citizens
Does she stand by her statement that “As far as the Government is concerned, abuse or neglect of our older citizens in residential care—or anywhere else, for that matter—is abhorrent. It is simply unacceptable.”; if so, why?
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL (Minister of Commerce) Link to this
Yes, because abuse or neglect of our older citizens in residential care—or anywhere for that matter—is abhorrent. It is simply unacceptable, and that is why the Government in last year’s Budget committed an additional $3 million over 4 years for elder abuse and neglect prevention services, details of which are contained in the speech from which the quote is taken.
Nathan GuyHon LIANNE DALZIEL Link to this
I believe that it is unhelpful to make public statements in response to allegations before the precise nature of a complaint is determined and the facts of the matter established.
Madam SPEAKERIt was impossible to hear the Minister’s response. I just remind members that I am taking under advisement what the Hon Peter Dunne said. So would members please keep interjections to a level where other members in the Chamber can hear.
Is the reason the Minister has not spoken out publicly against this abuse that she is more interested in Labour’s relationship with the nurses’ union than in doing what is right for the elderly?
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL Link to this
No. It is because I believe it is unhelpful to make public statements in response to allegations before the precise nature of a complaint is determined and the facts of the matter established.
Hon Marian HobbsCould the Minister inform us as to how the Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services respond to complaints received in relation to a rest home resident?
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL Link to this
I am advised that, essentially, the role of such coordinators is to assess the nature of the complaint first, and then refer it to the appropriate agency as necessary. It is the nature of the complaint that will determine the nature of the referral.
How does she think that the publication of these photos, and her dismissal of their gravity, helps further her Government’s goal of the promotion of positive attitudes towards older people, which is fundamental to preventing elder abuse?
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL Link to this
My reading of the statements in the newspaper about this matter would suggest that the issue is one of consent, and that is something that an older person is entitled to give.
I seek leave to table the New Zealand Herald article of 16 May, headed: “Row over pictures of naked patients”.
I seek leave to table an article in the Dominion Post of Wednesday, 17 May, headed: “Family may sue over rest home photo”.