COTA Queensland aims to advance the rights, needs and interests of people as they age  and is respectful of the broad diversity which exists among people, as well as particular groups, who may be additionally vulnerable and/ or invisible in society. By ensuring all people in our community can participate and contribute, we aim to build a culture which is inclusive, respectful and responsive to diverse needs.

Diversity within people can be defined by individual circumstances, available support mechanisms, accessibility and degrees of empowerment, decision making and participation in the broader community. Additional challenges to diversity and inclusion is when some communities experience a range of barriers in accessing information and services due to language and cultural barriers, discrimination (based on race, disability), lack of resources (due to social and geographical isolation) and socio-economic status.

Particular groups which may be additionally vulnerable and/ or invisible in society may include (but are not limited to):

• older people/Elders from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities including Australian South Sea Islanders
• older people from opposing socio economic status e.g. pensioners and self-funded retirees
• older people from cultural and linguistic backgrounds, older people with a disability
• older people from the gay, lesbian, transsexual or intergender community and
• older people from rural and remote communities

Along with COTA Australia, COTA Queensland is working with the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland to monitor and contribute to age discrimination issues. Our focus in future planning for an ageing population is based on active participation, human rights, consumer choice and inclusion. We also support the United Nations Principles for Older Persons. These principles informed the World Health Organization’s Active Ageing: A Policy Framework (2002) and Global Age-Friendly Cities: A Guide (2007) and underpin our community participation and engagement, research, policy and advocacy work. These principles are independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment and dignity.

Some of COTA Queensland’s initiatives to support diversity and inclusion include:

• acknowledging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the custodians of this land at meetings and COTA Queensland organised events.
• participating at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural events eg: NAIDOC Family Fun Day, Reconciliation Week
• liaising and linking with culturally linguistically diverse organisations and groups including Elders from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• actively undertaking community development work to address safety and protection issues for older people in public housing
• utilising technology to reach older people and organisations in rural and remote areas

COTA Queensland is also involved in a range of future initiatives to progress the diversity and inclusion agenda. Some examples of these include:

• development of cultural diversity and reconciliation plans
• development of a community engagement plan
• translation of materials and resources
• seeking funding for projects to contribute to the rich fabric of Queensland’s senior diverse community
• attending community based events to connect with communities eg: Refugee Week and Queensland Multicultural Festival
• marking of Human Rights Day and the International Day for Older Persons
• accessing cultural diversity training for staff and peer educators

In addition, we welcome the appointment of Susan Ryan as Australia’s first Age Discrimination Commissioner. This role supports the development of a legislative framework to address the rights of older people, particularly in areas of employment and mature age workers.