Page 346 - Week 01 - Thursday, 11 December 2008
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Transport plays a vital role in older people’s ability to stay socially connected and to participate, especially for older people who no longer drive, and I mentioned this yesterday. I have mentioned the introduction of the gold card, providing free public transport for Canberrans over 75 years old and encouraging them to look at public transport as an alternative to driving. We all know about the success of this program.
In July this year, the government launched the ACT regional community bus service for seniors and other people at risk of social isolation due to limited transport options. It offers a flexible, on-demand service, including pick-up from and drop-off at people’s homes. In August 2008, the Chief Minister released the ACT government’s integrated transport framework, which forms the cornerstone of a reliable, accessible public transport system for Canberra. In addition to increasing the number of accessible buses, the government will be installing more seats and shelters at ACTION bus stops, which will particularly benefit frail aged passengers.
The government has also committed to assisting older people with their accommodation needs. We have established a mortgage relief fund over four years which will provide interest-free mortgage relief loans of up to $10,000. The government has also established a homebuyer stamp duty concession program, which aims to assist people to move to more appropriate accommodation. I expect that these initiatives will assist many older Canberrans at risk of losing their family homes due to financial strain because of rising living costs.
On the issue of housing, one of my particular areas of interest is, of course, retirement villages. Following community feedback, I have instigated discussions within government about the review of the regulatory arrangements for retirement villages, which are currently regulated through the Fair Trading Act and a code of practice. As members would be aware, I have received very strong support from stakeholders about the need for change in this area.
Of course, I do not have time to talk about the plans for our health system. We all know that we have many new initiatives in our 10-year plan for health, and the Minister for Health has outlined these in great detail in this place. I am looking forward to these initiatives being funded and also being seen on the ground. Being an ex-registered nurse, I am particularly pleased about the nurse drop-in centres and the consultation that is going on about those at the moment. That initiative with regard to nurses is one example of how we are working to ensure that our older people can remain in the workforce for longer. I think this option will be very attractive to some of our senior nurses who will be looking to work in some of these walk-in centres. They will be able to use their great experience and skills in this area. I look forward to seeing that come to fruition.
Social inclusion of the ACT’s ageing population is an important issue for our community. The ACT government has put in place initiatives which address transport, housing and health needs of older Canberrans, all of which will contribute to older people being able to participate in their community. But as we go forward, we will need to work with the commonwealth government. As we announced yesterday, the commonwealth will be working together with us on issues to do with people with disabilities.
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