Page 1282 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 16 April 1991
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In the current climate of fiscal constraints it is important that the Government is delivering services both efficiently and effectively. By this I mean that we have to make sure that the ageing community is receiving services that are appropriate, that they are properly targeting the needs of the ageing and that they are delivered in a cost-effective way. Often these services may not be very different from those needed by the general community. There are a number of circumstances, particularly for the frail aged, where it has to fall to the Government to ensure that essential services are being properly provided.
It is important to provide an environment where the ageing are able to make choices and have options in their everyday lives and where they are able to realise their full potential in our society. The Alliance Government recognises that the ageing play a special role in this community.
I would like to recall some of the initiatives that have been taken since the Blueprint for the Ageing was released in March last year. On 1 July last year I announced the Seniors Card providing concessional off-peak hours ACTION bus fares to holders of the card. That card is issued to ACT residents aged 60 years and over regardless of income, in recognition of their contribution to the community. Seniors in the ACT collectively spend $250m a year. There are approximately 24,000 ACT residents over the age of 60 and already 10,000 have taken up the Seniors Card. A schedule of the participating businesses was launched during Seniors Week. From the time of the card's introduction it was intended that the range of discounts available would be developed in the government, retail, hospitality, finance, travel, commercial and entertainment sectors. A number of additional discounts have already been offered through informal approaches to business, commercial and entertainment outlets, and the list is growing each week.
We also now offer free entry to government funded swimming pools for people over the age of 60 and concessions on ACT Government services such as a 15 per cent discount on sales from the Yarralumla nursery, recreational courses offered by ACTAID - the TAFE's commercial arm - and a 50 per cent concession on civil marriage ceremonies in the Registrar's office. I am sure that will be of great benefit for the over-60s. Other initiatives that have been developed are Housing Trust strategies for the ageing following the release of their discussion paper, Housing Options for Older People. In particular the Trust is currently negotiating joint ventures with Goodwin Homes and Brindabella Gardens. Work on a health strategy and a transport policy for the ageing has started. The progress report also outlines the initiatives for the home and community care program in 1991. The highest priority is being accorded to transport for people with special needs and to respite care for home and community care clients.
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