Tuesday, 17 October 2023

Commissioner for senior Victorians

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (15:19): (303) My question is for the Minister for Ageing. I refer to the retirement of Gerard Mansour, the former commissioner for ageing, whom I actually appointed in 2013 and whom Labor successively reappointed. Will a new commissioner for seniors be appointed to this important advocacy role on behalf of seniors?

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:19): I thank Mr Davis for his question. Of course I am still being briefed by my department about a number of different matters in the ageing portfolio, but I am very happy to take Mr Davis’s question on notice and provide him with as much detail as I can provide on his important question.

David DAVIS (Southern Metropolitan) (15:20): I thank the minister for her response and note that I put on record the excellent work that Mr Mansour did do. I therefore ask: why, Minister, has the appointment been left vacant for five months despite the strong support of so many senior Victorians?

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (15:20): As I indicated in my substantive answer, I am happy to take those matters on notice and provide Mr Davis with a written response.