Published Tuesday, 28 November, 2006 at 10:37 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
SPENCE RELEASES SENIORS TASK FORCE REPORT
A state coordinator for Seniors Issues will be appointed within the Queensland Police Service to coordinate senior safety issues, and seminars on crime against seniors will be held twice a year.
They are among key recommendations from the Queensland Seniors Task Force which have been given the green light by the state government.
Police Minister Judy Spence today tabled in State Parliament the Queensland Seniors Task Force Report.
Other recommendations include updating and reprinting the “Confident, Safe and Secure” handbook each year, and promoting the Task Force’s anti-theft campaign “Where’s your handbag?” to supermarkets statewide.
Ms Spence said the Seniors Task Force Report contained a wealth of information and would be a valuable tool for academic and senior organisations, and in government policy decisions.
“This report contains a Fear of Crime literature review and the findings from the Safe and Secure Survey, which is the most comprehensive survey of fear of crime within the state since 1991,” Ms Spence said.
“The Task Force found that not only are seniors the least likely age group to become victims of crime statistically, they generally contribute to their own safety through their lifestyle,” Ms Spence said.
“Seniors are less likely to put themselves in high risk situations, and as such are less likely to interact with offenders.
“However, the Task Force found that the consequences of offences against older people are more likely to be traumatic for those affected. Elderly people take a longer time to recover from physical injuries, and are much more anxious about crime once they have become a victim.”
Ms Spence said the Seniors Task Force – made up of a group of 17 representatives from government agencies and community organisations – has been an important initiative that has led to some valuable programs for seniors.
“Seniors will continue to make up an increasingly large percentage of Queensland’s population,” Ms Spence said.
“The work of the Task Force has ensured we have current and accurate data on which to base our future policies for seniors.”
Media contact – Alison Smith 3239 6218
They are among key recommendations from the Queensland Seniors Task Force which have been given the green light by the state government.
Police Minister Judy Spence today tabled in State Parliament the Queensland Seniors Task Force Report.
Other recommendations include updating and reprinting the “Confident, Safe and Secure” handbook each year, and promoting the Task Force’s anti-theft campaign “Where’s your handbag?” to supermarkets statewide.
Ms Spence said the Seniors Task Force Report contained a wealth of information and would be a valuable tool for academic and senior organisations, and in government policy decisions.
“This report contains a Fear of Crime literature review and the findings from the Safe and Secure Survey, which is the most comprehensive survey of fear of crime within the state since 1991,” Ms Spence said.
“The Task Force found that not only are seniors the least likely age group to become victims of crime statistically, they generally contribute to their own safety through their lifestyle,” Ms Spence said.
“Seniors are less likely to put themselves in high risk situations, and as such are less likely to interact with offenders.
“However, the Task Force found that the consequences of offences against older people are more likely to be traumatic for those affected. Elderly people take a longer time to recover from physical injuries, and are much more anxious about crime once they have become a victim.”
Ms Spence said the Seniors Task Force – made up of a group of 17 representatives from government agencies and community organisations – has been an important initiative that has led to some valuable programs for seniors.
“Seniors will continue to make up an increasingly large percentage of Queensland’s population,” Ms Spence said.
“The work of the Task Force has ensured we have current and accurate data on which to base our future policies for seniors.”
Media contact – Alison Smith 3239 6218