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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2001 Week 9 Hansard (23 August) . . Page.. 3274 ..

MR HUMPHRIES (continuing):

The forward plan was the result of an extensive consultation process. Towards a society for all ages: forward plan for older people was launched on 23 June 2000. The plan sets out the directions for ACT government programs and policies for older people, outlining four key action areas: community attitudes, community participation, maintaining independence, and urban planning and design.

This first annual report details progress on the commitments over a 12-month period up to 30 June 2001. One of the key achievements of this report is that work commenced on all 46 commitments in the initial 12 months of what is a three-year plan.

The 46 commitments outlined in the forward plan affect all areas of the ACT government. Some are agency specific while others are whole-of-government commitments. The plan is intended to be a dynamic document, and as such incorporates flexibility and allows for strategies to be readjusted to respond to changing needs and emerging issues.

In this light, the government has developed five new initiatives for the forward plan. These relate to a review of concessions, establishment of a falls clinic, enhancement of older persons mental health services, establishment of a security hardware subsidy program and review of the outcomes of the mature Canberra workshop.

Also, to canvass community views, a jointly organised Council on the Ageing/ACT government workshop, "A mature Canberra: emerging issues and opportunities for older people", was held in June. This workshop brought together a broad range of players and participants from the ACT and interstate to discuss key topics such as finance, services and accommodation. It focused on strategies and actions needed to face these issues and opportunities. As a result of the workshop, a new commitment has been included in the forward plan to address the issues raised at the workshop. These include problems and needs associated with accommodation, and services, particularly health and finance.

I understand that the ACT Council on the Ageing has commented on the report and considers that overall the report reflects good progress on the commitments for the initial 12 months of the forward plan for older people.

I commend this paper to members as a demonstration of the government's commitment to ensure that older people in the ACT are able to lead productive and fulfilling lives as valued members of our community. I move:

That the Assembly takes note of the paper.

Question resolved in the affirmative

Kingston foreshore development

Ministerial statement

MR HUMPHRIES (Chief Minister, Minister for Community Affairs and Treasurer) (3.21): Mr Speaker, I ask for leave of the Assembly to make a ministerial statement concerning the Kingston Foreshore stage 1A joint venture.

Leave granted.

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