Independent Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has called for an urgent Parliamentary Inquiry to investigate how the state’s police and emergency services can be better equipped to deal with people living with cognitive impairment and cognitive decline.
Mr Ward said the recent incident involving a 95-year-old dementia patient who was tasered in an NSW nursing home, should never be repeated.
“I’m calling for a Parliamentary Inquiry to examine the training provided to police and first responders in how they manage people with dementia or a disability,” Mr Ward said.
“I want to make it clear this isn’t a witch hunt into the NSW Police’s handling of last week’s incident – they have their own investigation underway, and I respect that.
“This inquiry should review if police and our frontline emergency services across the state have access to adequate training to do their job and keep society’s most vulnerable safe,” he said.
Mr Ward said, “I’m urging the Premier to support this inquiry and set aside his differences by working with me to find solutions and that strengthen education around those living with a disability or dementia.
“As a former Minister for Disability Services and living with a disability myself, I will always fight to improve the lives of those who are less abled and their families.”
