Page 1059 - Week 04 - Thursday, 29 March 1990
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I am also a bit disappointed that the Government has not taken up the committee's recommendation regarding the taxi rebate scheme. It has backed away from the criteria for that. I think we must acknowledge that there is a long waiting list for that scheme. Clearly, the need is there, and I would urge the Government to take on board the committee's recommendation and increase the service rather than try to cut back the cost. The service is obviously necessary.
On that question of transport, we have to deal with the question of transport concessions. When I was in Government I had repeated representations from the current Chief Minister regarding the question of transport concessions, and yet his report indicates that they will conduct a review of concessions during the next two years. Clearly, there is not a strong commitment there. There is obviously a need to coordinate concessions policy across the Government to provide uniform eligibility rules and to tackle the question of poverty traps. But there is one simple step which must be undertaken immediately (Extension of time granted) Let me announce that as soon as a Labor Government is returned in the ACT, we will introduce a seniors card to provide transport concessions to all people over 60 years.
Mr Speaker, on this side of the Assembly we have also been disappointed with the Government at its report on the committee's report has not said anything much about the specific needs of ethnic aged people. Mr Wood's report, excellent as it is, indicates to us that some 23 per cent of the ACT population are born overseas. That is much higher than the national average and, of course, those people are ageing as is our general community.
I have been concerned to follow up the question of the Government's policy on multiculturalism and the needs of ethnic people. I am sure the Assembly recalls that on February 22 I asked the Chief Minister for an indication of Government policy. I am still waiting on that. When it comes I do hope that it will address in particular the needs of ethnic aged people.
Mr Kaine: Where is your policy on the ethnics? You were in government for seven months and you did not have one.
MR SPEAKER: Order!
MS FOLLETT: I would like to reiterate one other point which I think is most unfortunate. It refers again to the Chief Minister's response to the committee's report and it concerns the continued claims by the current Chief Minister and his Government to having done things which they have not. In his speech last Thursday, Mr Kaine said that he would assure us that "We will continue to make representations to the Commonwealth on a whole range of income security matters".
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