Thursday, 18 May 2023

 Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (09:53): I rise today to reflect on the wonderful work of Victoria’s commissioner for senior Victorians, Gerard Mansour, who after 10 years in the role ends his term this week. I had the privilege of working with Gerard in my time as the Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers at the end of last year. He is a passionate and hardworking advocate for the needs and aspirations and the experiences of our diverse senior community. Before coming into the role he was already highly respected for his work addressing the needs of older people as the CEO of Aged and Community Care Victoria.

Gerard was appointed commissioner for senior Victorians in 2013 and since then has contributed significantly to improving policies and services for older Victorians. He chaired the then ministerial advisory committee for senior Victorians, which provided independent advice to the minister. He understood the importance of seeking out the views of senior Victorians and listening carefully to their concerns and aspirations and was the driving force behind the Victorian ageing well survey. Working with the ministerial advisory committee, he released Seniors Count! 2014–2019: Victoria’s Seniors Participation Action Plan, highlighting the need to respect the voices of senior Victorians and promote participation and lifelong learning. Gerard also ensured the voices of senior Victorians were heard during COVID in countless submissions to royal commissions and inquiries and advocated to address ageism, loneliness and elder abuse. Victorians have been fortunate to have someone of Gerard’s integrity and character representing our seniors for the past decade. I thank him for his work and wish him well.