Page 827 - Week 03 - Thursday, 25 March 1993
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Housing is another area of service provision which is undergoing significant developments. I believe that these developments reflect a growing awareness of the changing needs of our ageing population. Recently, I opened a new retirement village in Weston Creek. I mention this especially because it is an excellent example of a successful cooperative venture between government and private interests. The development also highlights the Government's emphasis on urban renewal and our strong desire to ensure that our ageing citizens do not experience isolation. We believe that they should have the opportunity to remain in homes of their own. The village is on the site of a former primary school and has retained some of the original character of the school community. This is a good example of how urban renewal can create benefits for our older residents by providing a location close to existing transport and services. It has also led to substantial cost savings to the whole community through the use of existing infrastructure.
In another current development, my department is engaged in a major review of transport services for people with special needs. This, of course, has important implications for those within the ageing population who are unable to use buses. I hope that the review will eventually lead to more accessible services for senior citizens who currently have a difficulty with mobility.
The availability of concessions is an important contributor to the quality of life for our senior citizens. The Government is presently finalising a major review of concessions in the ACT. The review will result in a clearer, simpler and more consistent concessions system. The seniors card scheme continues to make a significant contribution towards reducing living costs and encouraging active lifestyles for seniors in the ACT. In excess of 17,000 ACT senior citizens are eligible to take advantage of this offer by virtue of their membership of the seniors card scheme. The Government is working closely with the Ethnic Communities Council of the ACT to raise awareness of the benefits of the card among non-English-speaking senior citizens. The ACT Government supports Seniors Week by providing free bus travel for seniors card holders, enabling senior citizens to participate in as many activities as they wish during the week. During the opening of Seniors Week on Monday I launched the 1993 seniors card directory. In addition, the Government has provided $3,000 towards the cost of the 1993 Council on the Ageing (ACT) directory of services.
This Government has a strong commitment to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of age. To this end, the Government will shortly make available for public comment a discussion paper which deals with age discrimination legislation. The consultation will include public information sessions and meetings to discuss the proposals in detail. This will ensure an informed public debate and a heightened awareness within the community of the issues involved.
In December 1992 I tabled in the Assembly the first report of an important strategic planning process for Canberra. This process is designed to ensure that we as a government are looking ahead and preparing for our future on the basis of sound knowledge and understanding of what that future will require. It will equip us to provide for a healthy and socially just society in which all citizens will enjoy the benefits of our foresight. The 2020 study identifies the opportunities and the needs presented by the growth of the ageing population as important features of Canberra's future. Our priorities will include design and location of housing, which I have previously noted, health care and the provision
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