Published: 16 July 2020

Elderly Canberrans are fearful of being left behind as they struggle to get clear and timely COVID-19 updates from the ACT Government, the Shadow Minister for Seniors Nicole Lawder said.

Nicole Lawder MLA

Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Member for Brindabella
Shadow Minister for Urban Services, Seniors and Heritage

Media release

Thursday 16 July 2020

Fears elderly Canberrans being left behind

Elderly Canberrans are fearful of being left behind as they struggle to get clear and timely COVID-19 updates from the ACT Government, the Shadow Minister for Seniors Nicole Lawder said.

After making thousands of welfare checks to elderly Canberrans in recent months, Ms Lawder says a common theme among seniors has emerged.

“There is a great sense of confusion, uncertainty and loneliness among elderly Canberrans,” Ms Lawder said.

“While the pandemic has presented enormous challenges for everyone, older Canberrans who are more vulnerable to the virus are really feeling the pressure. They’re concerned about their health, they want to follow the rules but are confused about what the rules are, and they are struggling with a deep sense of loneliness.

“We must do more to ensure they feel safe and connected.

“As many are not computer literate, they are limited in their ability to stay up to date with the best and latest health advice. They rely on community organisations, some of which are facing their own challenges in getting information from the government specific to seniors.

“Older Canberrans with legal or caring responsibilities for family members are unsure of how the rules apply to their situation.

“Many are fearful of accessing testing and are reluctant to visit the doctor for fear of contracting the virus.

“On top of all this, many seniors are struggling with loneliness as they can no longer participate in their usual activities.

“It’s a difficult time for everyone and we need to make sure that elderly Canberrans don’t feel like they’re being left behind. We need to ensure they feel safe and connected,” Ms Lawder said.

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Published: 14 June 2019

We need a Territory specific plan to protect elderly Canberrans who are vulnerable to abuse, Shadow Minister for Seniors Nicole Lawder said.

On the eve of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Ms Lawder is calling for localised action to combat the abuse of older people in Canberra.

While the ACT Government supported the National Plan to Respond to the Abuse of Older Australians (Elder Abuse) 2019-23, there was no dedicated funding in its recent budget for an ACT Implementation Plan.

An ACT Implementation Plan would contain measurable actions, goals and targets to help the Territory government achieve objectives set out in the national plan.

“Sadly, we know that some older people in Canberra are suffering from financial, emotional, physical or sexual abuse – often at the hands of people they know,” Ms Lawder said.

“Often victims don’t recognise the abuse. When they do, victims don’t always know where to go for help.

“There is also confusion in the broader community about what constitutes elder abuse and how to identify it is occurring.

“We are morally compelled to ensure that we are doing everything we can to protect elderly Canberrans from abuse and give them the support they need.

“If the ACT does not take strong, measurable action, I have real concerns that more elderly Canberrans will become victims of abuse as our elderly population grows.

“An awareness campaign to help the community identify signs of elder abuse, how to stop it and where to go to for help would be an important component of an ACT Implementation Plan.

“Elderly Canberrans are respected and loved members of our community and we must do all we can to ensure they are cared for,” Ms Lawder said.

Media contact Deborah Seccombe:

Published: 12 July 2019

Member for Brindabella, Nicole Lawder was saddened today to hear reports of another vicious dog attack in suburban Flynn in Canberra.

Nicole Lawder MLA

Deputy Leader of the Opposition
Member for Brindabella
Shadow Minister for Urban Services, Seniors and Heritage

Media release

Friday 12 July 2019

Lawder outraged by return of dogs after vicious attack

Member for Brindabella, Nicole Lawder was saddened today to hear reports of another vicious dog attack in suburban Flynn in Canberra.

Ms Lawder has spoken to the owners of two dogs that were being walked on their leads by their owners when they were savagely attacked by two large roaming dogs. The descriptions of the attack were harrowing. It was the worst mauling the vet had seen.

Ms Lawder was very pleased to hear that after hours in veterinary care, both the dog victims survived. She was also relieved that whilst in fear for their own safety at the time, the dog’s owners also escaped injury.

However, Ms Lawder is outraged with the process that has the attacking dogs returned to their owner.

Where is the Government’s expressed concern for public safety? Ms Lawder asked. Where is the Government’s expressed concern for the protection of our pets? What protection do the badly injured pet dogs have? Why do the Greens continue to support the Government in allowing pets to be injured, mauled, and attacked? 

Coming on the back of news of a dog attack in Melbourne yesterday where an older man was killed and his wife badly mauled, I fear it is only a matter of time before we have another tragic death of a person from a dog attack in Canberra.

Meantime, dog owners in Canberra are in fear of walking their dogs on their own streets.

With my colleagues, I have been calling on the Government to bring in tougher dog laws in Canberra for years. Our pleas are ignored by this Labor Greens government. 

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Media Contact Sue White

P 02 6205 1520 M 0409 044 979            E This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published: 12 June 2019

Tuggeranong residents have been forgotten by Labor, Member for Brindabella Nicole Lawder said.

The 2019 ACT Budget has put Tuggeranong residents last, starving Canberra’s south of investments in capital works and local services.

“This budget has dealt a double blow to Tuggeranong residents,” Ms Lawder said.

“Labor and the Greens are raking in record revenue from people in Canberra’s south, but Tuggeranong residents are getting less and less in return.

“Tuggeranong schools, local parks, sports fields and equipment continue to be neglected.

“There’s been no increased funding for basic services like lawn mowing, rubbish removal, fixing street lighting and graffiti removal.

“For a long time, Tuggeranong residents have felt that they are forgotten. This budget sends that message loud and clear.”