Tuesday 7 March 2023

Media Release

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) has welcomed the Albanese Government’s commitment to a 10-year national action plan for LGBTIQ+ health and wellbeing.

NARI Director, Professor Briony Dow said this action plan is an important step towards addressing current disparities in health outcomes for LGBTIQ+ people, prioritising effective and lasting change.

“We know that LGBTIQ+ people are less likely to access health services due to experiences of stigma and discrimination. This is especially true of older people, who may have experienced ongoing prejudice throughout their lives,” Professor Dow said.

“Many older people from the LGBTIQ+ community fear that providers of aged care services will not be able to understand and meet their needs.

“A dedicated focus on improving models of care to account for their needs, expectations and wants when it comes to aged care will help to alleviate anxieties, and deliver more robust support.

“In particular, it’s great to see investment in research funding, which will ensure initiatives and programs can be evidence-based, and consumer-led.

“NARI looks forward to continuing to support the Federal Government through our research to improve the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ+ Australians.”

Media Contact: Olivia Joyce – 0448 129 595