COVIDSafe App

Endorsed by Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy, the Australian Government launched the voluntary COVIDSafe app earlier this week. Over 2 million Australians have downloaded the app to date. Go to the Joint Media Release. Seniors Rights Service acknowledges that Federal and State Governments have used a range of measures, such as physical distancing, to slow the rate of coronavirus infection. The COVIDSafe app is another measure aimed at slowing transmission whilst also allowing for stay-at-home measures to be relaxed in the future. Seniors Rights Service applauds the various initiatives governments have taken, including ensuring that downloading the app is voluntary. Concerns have been raised in the community regarding personal privacy. Government has draft legislation to address these concerns, and this legislation is expected to be considered and potentially further strengthened when Parliament resumes in May. Here are some useful articles, from IT experts, that look at both privacy and usability issues with the COVIDSafe app: Radio National interview with technology reporter, Josh Taylor Article from TechGuide by Stephen Fenech. At Seniors Rights Service we continue to do our work – upholding the rights of older Australians. During this crisis we are working closely with many residents of aged care homes, their family members, their carers, as well as aged care staff across New South Wales. We extend our sympathies to all those who have lost loved ones during this pandemic. We also thank the entire community for the great effort it has gone to, to protect people’s health.   Sincerely, Russell Westacott CEO, Seniors Rights Service Margaret Duckett Chair, Seniors Rights Service

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