Page 1435 - Week 05 - Thursday, 13 May 2021
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Further, the ACT Health Directorate continues to collaborate across government and with key stakeholders to comprehensively develop the regulatory frameworks required to implement the national code of conduct for non-registered health professionals. Some actions under this focus area did not progress in their current form due to the impact of COVID-19.
However, I commend directorates across ACT government for the way in which they have worked with agility to introduce alternative approaches and actions to continue providing support for older Canberrans to stay connected and active, particularly during the pandemic. For example, Libraries ACT introduced a trial mystery box delivery service for ACT residents who were impacted by COVID-19 and unable to visit the library due to restrictions.
The fourth and final focus area of the plan—a city for all ages—centres on our city’s infrastructure, such as transport, pathways and open spaces, enabling older Canberrans to be active and involved. This also considers access to appropriate and affordable housing for older Canberrans. I can report that the Age Friendly Suburbs Program has continued with the delivery of pathways and related infrastructure, such as road crossings to support improved access for community members, particularly those who may have specific mobility needs. A description of recently completed works is available on the City Services website.
In relation to housing, the parliamentary and governing agreement for the 10th Legislative Assembly committed to a further expansion of the Growing and Renewing Public Housing program, to deliver an additional 140 new public housing dwellings, setting a revised target of 1,000 properties to be renewed and 400 additional dwellings to be delivered by 30 June 2025. It is anticipated that a portion of new housing to be made available in the future will meet the needs of older Canberrans.
Some actions under this focus area were not progressed in the reporting period due to the impact of COVID-19, with directorates working to adapt and shift their work to meet emerging and priority needs. For example, from July 2020 a new online application for the dual ACT seniors card and MyWay travel card was introduced to provide an additional platform for older Canberrans to apply for an ACT seniors card throughout COVID-19, removing the need for individuals to leave their home. The introduction of the online method of application also assisted to create an easy application process for the many older Canberrans who became eligible on 1 July 2020, due to a lowering of age eligibility from 62 to 60 years.
The adaptability and responsiveness to our approach in supporting older Canberrans has been tested during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am pleased to be able to include information on how services and supports have been modified to support older Canberrans through this time. Access Canberra has given priority to vulnerable customers, including older Canberrans, waiting in the queue at service centres during the COVID-19 pandemic though the introduction of an allocated quiet period between nine and 11 am each weekday.
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