Hon Justice Kirby: No more forbidden zones
The Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG offers AAA a sneak preview of his upcoming Tri State Conference presentation.
Above: Hon Justice Michael Kirby AC CMG
By Yasmin Noone
If there is one man that you want on your side, one man to pronounce that he has faith in the aged care sector of the future and one man to state that there is hope, it’s the Honorable Michael Kirby AC CMG.
Australia’s longest serving former High Court judge, human rights advocate and legal change maker, Mr Kirby, has said that he has hope in the potential of aged care managers and staff to see beyond the negative same sex couple stereotype and look towards a brighter, more humanitarian future for all.
In a sneak preview of his Annual Tri State Conference presentation to be delivered on Sunday 29 February, Mr Kirby told AAA that although some elements of the aged care sector need to improve, change is something that he believes is possible.
“There is a special new problem for people who live in aged facilities, some of whom will have same sex relationships,” Mr Kirby said.
“Not all such people want to live in a ghetto for same sex people, so that means we are going to have to adjust the thinking of older people in facilities. And also, the thinking on the part of proprietors and organisers of aged care, some of which are churches which don’t come all that easily into these issues.
“In some facilities, there can be a rather old fashioned approach on the main part of management—refusing to allow same sex residents to share the same room or bed, as they have been used to for many years— or particularly on the part of some residents who grew up in an earlier time.
“These are generational and new issues but it goes to show that in aged care, everything is always changing.
“So long as the basic motivation is excellence [in medical care] and loving care and support, you can find a solution.”
But, he said, the issues at play must be discussed and the rights of same sex couples have to be on the agenda for change.
“There are problems [as it is] an industry that deals with people of an earlier generation. The challenge is to get adjustments to acknowledge the problems and address them.
“…My experience is that when people do think it through, they see that plain old fashioned kindness and a welcoming attitude is the right way to go.
“Australians have a well developed sense of the fair go, more so than their politicians.
“Just treat people as human beings without stereotypes and recognise that love conquers all. If people have a good relationship, then that is important for their dignity as a human being but also for their physical and mental health.
“I’m quite confident about [change] but the issues need to be talked through. No more forbidden zones!”
The Hon Michael Kirby AC CMG will speak about his experiences supporting human rights internationally at the 20th Annual Tri State Conference and Trade Exhibition, Albury, from Sunday 27 February to 1 March.
Keeping with the theme of the event, Our People, Our Future, he will also discuss issues close to the heart of regional and rural aged care managers and staff.
To register for the event or to download the conference program, click here.
