Page 1169 - Week 04 - Wednesday, 4 May 2022
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Older persons have become highly visible in the COVID-19 outbreak but their voices, opinion and concerns have not been heard. Instead, the deep-rooted ageism in our societies has become even more apparent. We have seen this in some cruel and dehumanising language on social media and in the exclusive emphasis on older persons’ vulnerability ignoring their autonomy.
MACA represents an important platform and conduit to amplify the voices of older people and highlight their diverse views and experiences to inform policy and decision-making. They are an important part of our democracy, and the day we stop believing that democracy can work is the day we lose it. The transition to COVID-19 normal life is an opportunity to bolster these views and their voices.
It is in that spirit that I am pleased to have taken this opportunity to inform the Assembly of the goals, priorities and work of the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing. I do this in good faith and to put on the record my openness to MACA’s frank and fearless, evidence-based advice across the broad range of areas they have identified. I welcome opportunities for MACA to partner with and support ACT government initiatives in these areas. There is no doubt that the depth and breadth of MACA’s knowledge and networks is a rich asset for the government and to continue our efforts to build a truly age-friendly city.
To the council members—Chair Prue Power, Deputy Chair Cathy Hope, Louise Bannister, Jo Cochrane, Christine Leopardi, Jenny Mobbs, Philip Piggin, Wendy Prowse, Charlie Sage, Juliette Spurrett, Jane Timbrell, and Thi Nha Tran—thank you for your ongoing and insightful advice to date, throughout lockdowns and transitions. Thank you for putting forward your vision for older Canberrans and for our city. I look forward to working together over this term and commit to doing everything I can to support this vision.
I present the following paper:
Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing Work Plan—
Ministerial statement, Wednesday, 4 May 2022.
Work Plan Summary 2021-2024, dated May 2022.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the ministerial statement.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
Health Legislation Amendment Bill 2022
Ms Stephen-Smith, pursuant to notice, presented the bill, its explanatory statement and a Human Rights Act compatibility statement.
Title read by Clerk.
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