Full-time Age Discrimination Commissioner appointed
Psychologist and advocate for older Australians, Dr Kay Patterson, will become the new Age Discrimination Commissioner, replacing Susan Ryan who is currently combining the role with the position of Disability Commissioner.
The announcement was made by Attorney-General, Senator the Hon. George Brandis QC last week.
Dr Patterson is currently the Commissioner of the National Mental Health Commission and was Minister for Health and Ageing under the Howard Government.
Consumer lobby group National Seniors Australia has welcomed the appointment of Dr Kay Patterson as Age Discrimination Commissioner in a dedicated, full-time role.
According to National Seniors Australia’s chief executive Michael O’Neill Dr Patterson’s wide experience made her well suited to the her new role as Age Discrimination Commissioner.
“Continuing discrimination against older people calls for a cultural change in society and Dr Patterson is well qualified to lead this,” says Mr O’Neill.
Current Age and Disability Commissioner, Susan Ryan, will step down from her dual role in August. Chief executive officer (CEO) of People with Disability Australia, Mr Alastair McEwin, will take over the role of Disability Discrimination Commissioner.
“I would also like to pay tribute to the huge contribution of Susan Ryan, who was appointed to the inaugural role of Age Discrimination Commissioner in July 2011,” Mr O’Neill says.
“Although Ms Ryan also took on the role of Disability Commissioner two years later, she has been an energetic advocate for the rights of older people, including last year calling for a national plan to combat elder abuse.
“But having the position of Age Discrimination Commissioner restored to a stand-alone role under Dr Patterson is a positive development that we are happy to see.”
Senator Brandis also announced the appointment of a new Human Rights Commissioner. Edward Santow, currently CEO of the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, has been appointed to fill the vacant position.
