In June 2022 various organisations and individuals who have been engaged in advocacy for the human rights of older persons convened an online roundtable to discuss ways to encourage the Australian government to support the development of a new United Nations treaty on the human rights of older persons and to engage constructively in the international discussions on that subject. The roundtable brought together civil society organisations and individuals working on this issue and older persons’ human rights more generally and built on the work of organisations and individuals who have advocated for a new treaty over the years.

On 31 May 2023 the Australian Human Rights Institute (UNSW Sydney), together with the Rights of Older Persons Australia network founded following the 2022 roundtable, invite you to a follow-up strategic online roundtable.

Much needs to be done in Australia and elsewhere to ensure that all older persons fully enjoy all their human rights on the basis of equality with others, and a new international treaty on the human rights of older persons is a critical component of any strategy to achieve that goal.

The focus of this second roundtable will be on how to advance discussions in Australia to persuade the Australian government to support a new convention and also to support and expand the work of Australian civil society organisations at the national and international levels in the process of developing a new binding international instrument. We’ll also be looking at emerging issues and the extent to which a comprehensive human rights framework is being incorporated into the process of aged care law reform.

Please Register by 20 May 2023. Please let us know of any requirements to ensure you can fully participate in the event.

DRAFT PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION (0930-0945am)

Moderator: Sue McGrath - Every Age Counts Campaign

Acknowledgement of country
Welcome to the Roundtable
Overview, interaction rules and housekeeping

SESSION 1 (0945-1045am): Developments since our first Roundtable in June 2022

Moderator: Sue McGrath

What has ROPA done in the last year? - Susan Cochrane, Relationships Australia
Where is the state of play in the international discussions on a new convention on the rights of older persons? Where does the Australian government stand on the process and the substance Andrew Byrnes - Australian Human Rights Institute, UNSW

Q&A Discussion

Break (10.45-11.00am)

SESSION 2 (11.15-11.45am): Emerging issues

Moderator: Beverly Baker, National Older Women’s Network Australia

SESSION 3 (1145-12.30pm): Human rights and aged care legislative reform: process and substance

Moderator: Catherine Renshaw -Western Sydney University

Presenter : Bill Mitchell, Townsville Community Law
Presenter : Kate Swaffer, University of South Australia

SESSION 4 (1230-1.10pm): Looking forward: future collaboration, advocacy strategies and ROPA governance processes

Moderator: Samantha Edwards, Older Persons Advocacy Network -OPAN

Presentation of Draft Strategy
Discussion

WRAP-UP AND NEXT STEPS (1.10-1.15pm)

Moderator: Sue McGrath

Where do we go from here?