Page 2996 - Week 08 - Thursday, 25 June 2009
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .
We have heard the very strong message that the ACT’s public transport service could be improved to meet older persons’ needs, through improved bus routes and frequency, cheaper or free services for seniors, and higher taxi subsidy scheme concessions.
In the 2008 integrated transport framework, we committed to continuing to provide a safe, secure, adaptable and accessible transport system in Canberra that meets the needs of the ACT community.
The government agrees that Canberra needs more frequent and rapid services along major transport corridors. We also agree that Canberra should have an accessible public transport network with frequent bus services and with future seniors facilities and accommodation conveniently located. The government has also committed to purchasing 100 more accessible buses over the next three years.
Over the next 18 months, the government will continue to talk with the community about a more accessible transport system for Canberra and the region. Seniors card holders will have access to concession fares on public transport and, following an initiative I am particularly proud of, people over 75 have been travelling on the buses free of charge as a result of their gold cards since July of last year. Over 6,400 people have already registered for the card.
To complement public transport, in 2008 the Chief Minister launched six regional community bus services provided by the regional community services. These services provide a flexible, door-to-door service available to people at risk of social isolation, particularly seniors. Many older people also have access to home and community care transport services and the ACT taxi subsidy scheme.
We recognise that walking, in addition to being a terrific form of exercise, can be an important mode of transport for many older people. Many people have raised concerns about the maintenance of community pathways. I am pleased to say that, as a start, in the 2009-10 budget the government has allocated an additional $6.4 million over four years for the maintenance of these pathways.
Finally, we come to the question of work and retirement. As I noted earlier, some Canberrans will continue to work past the traditional retirement age while some will choose to work part time as a long-term feature of their retirement years.
Through its mature age employment strategy, the government will continue to explore ways to support older people in the ACT public service, for example by providing more flexible working hours. In recognition of the value of its older workers, the ACT government introduced grandparental leave in 2008. This strategy will also look at ways to encourage non-government and private employers to support older employees to remain in the workforce.
Recreation is one of the things that many of us look forward to in retirement. At the consultations, many people asked for more information on activity options. The ACT has much to offer, from our nature parks to national institutions like the National
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . .