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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1997 Week 11 Hansard (6 November) . . Page.. 3731 ..

MR HUMPHRIES: Mr Speaker, I would not be the first Minister to have a question referred to him. Mr Berry did the same thing when he was in government, so we know this is further Labor grandstanding on these sorts of issues. The fact of the matter is that the bond help scheme - - -

Ms Reilly: I am shocked that the Minister for Housing is not interested in what happened to his aged care - - -

MR SPEAKER: Order! You wanted an answer to the question. You are getting it. Please listen to it in silence.

MR HUMPHRIES: They really have no interest, Mr Speaker, in getting the information they seek, do they? They really have no interest whatsoever.

Ms Reilly: You answer the question, then.

MR HUMPHRIES: When I have a chance over the points of order being raised I will try to, Ms Reilly. Mr Speaker, a question has been asked about the impact of the announcements of the Commonwealth Government and of the ACT's proposal for a bond help scheme on residential accommodation in the ACT. The Commonwealth obviously has had to reconsider the issue of accommodation bonds for people entering residential aged care facilities in Australia and, as I have said already today, I think that is hardly surprising, given the reception that the proposal has had. Until we have clear knowledge of how the Commonwealth intends to proceed, an ACT approach cannot be finalised. However, we certainly stand ready to consider an ACT specific scheme if a revised Commonwealth scheme has flaws like the last one obviously had.

What we regard as important in the ACT context is that we have a clear objective to safeguard family homes. The Council on the Ageing in the ACT is keen to help in this complex matter. The circumstances of every individual obviously are different, and that is why the services of COTA will be important if the ACT needs to take particular steps to help elderly citizens. COTA will advise people on their options and the implications for them, depending on their individual circumstances. There may be tax implications, implications for pensions, and issues for the families of the elderly, and COTA will be well placed to assist with advice on these issues. I must put on record the Government's appreciation of the role that COTA has offered to play in this matter. It will be very important to provide easy-to-understand information so that individuals and families will be able to understand their options.

The Government is responding to the stress of older people in the ACT who have paid their way and have been solid contributing citizens all their lives. We do not intend to make it harder and more complicated for them. Rather, we want to make it easier and less frightening. Support will be aimed at pensioners who have their homes as their major asset. We do not intend to make support available to people who can afford to pay their way; but this is not the case with the majority of elderly people, unfortunately. COTA will be able to advise everyone on what is best for them and will not be recommending anyone they might think might be trying to rort the system. I have had a couple of inquiries.

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