Page 2596 - Week 07 - Wednesday, 2 July 2008
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but, more importantly, even if older drivers are involved in car accidents that are not their fault, they take considerably longer to heal, and sometimes they never do. We believe, in fact, that the road can be a particularly dangerous place. Our older driver handbook that we issue when people come to the age of 75 actually has a graph in it at the back, which I draw to the attention of those opposite who can read. It shows an incredibly sharp spike at the age of 75. Of course, those guys opposite know about sharp spikes!
This government is committed to public transport that will greatly assist the travel of our older citizens when they are wheelchair bound. By 2012 some 55 per cent of our buses will drop to the pavement, again, like the opposition—on 19 October, they, too, will drop to the pavement! That initiative is for older people who are having accessibility problems and/or wheelchair problems.
Mr Speaker, I am particularly proud of our public transport initiatives. We have put millions and millions of dollars into them, and I look forward to the press release from Mr Pratt saying, “I think this older drivers initiative for free bus travel for people over 75 is a good idea.” I look forward to him giving us his blessing and throwing bunches of roses and gladioli over this side of the chamber, because the flower power man of the opposition knows a good thing when he is on it. When we are on a good thing, we are going to stick to it.
Gas-fired power station
MR PRATT: My question is to the Deputy Chief Minister. Deputy Chief Minister, when did you receive a briefing about the proposed Tuggeranong gas power station respectively as a shareholder of ACTEW and as minister for disability services?
MS GALLAGHER: I will get back to the member with the exact date. I think that is what you are after, is it?
Mr Pratt: Yes.
MS GALLAGHER: I think I have answered this in estimates. I will check the Hansard and I will get back to you. I will see whether I can provide you with that information.
Mr Pratt: That is for both of those, please.
MS GALLAGHER: Yes.
Mr Pratt: And you have been briefed on both those occasions?
MS GALLAGHER: I will answer that to you on the date, which is the question you ask.
Hospitals—waiting times
MRS BURKE: My question is to the Minister for Health. Minister, why are the ACT’s public hospital emergency department waiting times still the worst in Australia,
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