Page 837 - Week 03 - Thursday, 14 April 1994
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With regard to the involvement of ethnic groups in aged care issues, I have asked the Multicultural Advisory Council to advise me on issues concerning the ethnic aged. They have now formed a task force on the aged and are currently investigating a range of accommodation issues as they impact on the ethnic aged. I anticipate advice from the council during 1994.
The Government strongly supports the concept of active ageing and has continued to encourage the development of a positive attitude to ageing, not only amongst the aged but amongst the community in general. Currently, the Government is in the process of consulting with older Canberrans with a view to developing a healthy ageing policy. This policy will include strategies which focus on preventative health measures for our senior citizens.
The Government also has a long-term plan to address aged care, including accommodation issues. We have begun by bringing all agencies together to develop strategies to tackle issues and gaps in aged care services and policies. The interdepartmental working group formed is building on the excellent foundation laid by the report of the Social Policy Committee. The working group on aged care will develop within the next year a concise yet comprehensive policy framework on aged care. It is currently examining existing and emerging issues and gaps in relation to aged care. (Extension of time granted) In particular, the interdepartmental working group is examining the area of accommodation for the frail aged, including nursing home and hostel provision; the coordination and delivery of home based services to support our older citizens to remain in their own homes or to be accommodated within the community; the issues surrounding those aged people on low incomes who are not eligible for the age pension; and the critical issue of the needs of those community and family members who are carers for the aged.
The issues surrounding aged care are many and complex. The Government is concerned that aged care issues, including aged accommodation and support services, should be dealt with in a comprehensive and systematic way so that effective and lasting solutions are found. The Government's response to the report and the significant progress made by the Government since the response was tabled indicate this Government's serious intention to provide a comprehensive and far-sighted approach to all aspects of aged care in the ACT.
In conclusion, I would like to restate the Government's appreciation of the Social Policy Committee's thorough investigation of a particularly complex set of issues. The actions of my Government and its response to the report confirm our commitment to aged care in the ACT.
Question resolved in the affirmative.
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