Letters the money runs out and, of course, no money means not much loving care. I believe that one of an overseas company’s most lucrative investments is older people in nursing homes and accommodation for the aged. Not all of these institutions are like this but some are when it comes to money. If I am confined in a private institution, helpless, and suffer the terrible indignities of not being able to perform any bodily functions, the laws of this land prevent me from dying with any sort of dignity. I have paid, and still am paying, tax, but I am denied my democratic right. When I die, I will still be paying tax on a nursing home and then on a funeral! When one’s life is completely beyond repair, one should have the right to fight to the bitter end for a quick and peaceful death, but I know it is like trying to turn a pyramid upside down. I have worked very hard all my life and I object strongly to giving the costs of my care to a foreign company which does not want me to die as long as my money lasts. One should be allowed to have access to voluntary euthanasia, to die with dignity and not be kept alive for the financial gain of anyone else. There are many of my friends and acquaintances who agree that voluntary euthanasia should be made available after consultation with specialists in this field and who should be selected to form an ethics committee. Jack Munro Dubbo, NSW
really enjoyed the informative guest speakers. The venue and the food were excellent. The subsidy for my hotel and my complimentary train ticket were lifesavers and greatly appreciated, particularly this year with living costs rising so quickly. CPSA staff are all so friendly and approachable. This was my second Conference and my two days’ attendance were a pleasure. I hope I will be privileged to attend again next year. Margaret Cuddihy Grenfell, NSW
Conferencev very much appreciated I WOULD like to thank CPSA for the warm welcome I received at Conference. I
Another happy Conference attendee I am so pleased that I became a Member of CPSA. In such a short time I have learnt so much. I think all the people I have met are the most amazing, intelligent, feisty bunch yet! I suffer with social phobia, but I have felt immediately comfortable in the company of those I met. The Conference was an eye-opener and seems to be a great success with the lunch, refreshments and the social gathering so pleasant. I’m glad to have met with individuals who could provide me with additional information. I have promoted CPSA with friends and acquaintances and have encouraged them to join. I am also in the process of joining People with Disabilities as I feel that some issues are best supported by a more relevant body. There may be the isolated issue of the majority of CPSA Members I don’t personally agree with, however, I will give full support as a CPSA Member. For now, I wish CPSA and its many good people all the very best. Name and Address Supplied
Dec 2011 - Jan 2012
Volunteer insurance for CPSA Branches
Send a letter to THE VOICE
Despite ongoing frustrations with the Head Office volunteer insurance provider, especially their recent four-fold increases in premiums to some Branches, they provide the most affordable policy we can find that does not reduce or cancel the payout if volunteers are over a certain age. For several years, Head Office has continued to advocate for volunteer insurance to cover Branch Members.
THE VOICE, CPSA Level 9, 28 Foveaux St Surry Hills NSW 2010 voice@cpsa.org.au You must include your name and suburb/town for the letter to be published, though these may be omitted in publication if the letter contains personal information. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.
The insurer is now providing volunteer insurance at around $100 per Branch for up to seven Branch volunteers working at one time. We recognise that this may still prove too expensive for some Branches but we have not yet found a better alternative. Contact Nikki at Head Office on 1800 451 488 for more information.
CPSA Honour Board
CPSA - who we are
The CPSA Honour Board, generously donated by the Penrith Seniors & Pensioners’ Club, is proudly displayed in Head Office’s reception area.
CPSA was founded in 1931 in response to pension cuts. CPSA is a non-profit, nonparty-political membership association which serves pensioners of all ages, superannuants and lowincome retirees. The aim of CPSA is to improve the standard of living and well-being of its Members and constituents.
www.cpsa.org.au
1800 451 488
The Honour Board acknowledges bequests made by CPSA Members. If you are thinking of making or updating your Will and would like information about making a bequest to CPSA so your name can be added to the Board, please contact Head Office on 1800 451 488. Whatever the size of the bequest, it all helps fund CPSA’s campaigns.
3