Page 771 - Week 02 - Thursday, 10 March 2011
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I am providing these guidelines today so that members can fully understand what is being proposed and reach an informed view on the bill. The bill includes a requirement that a review of the legislation is undertaken after the next election, with a report to be presented in the Assembly. This provides an opportunity to assess the effectiveness of the costings process during the 2012 ACT election and to consider any interjurisdictional developments and possible improvements.
Given the topic of this legislation and in the spirit of openness and collaboration which we have all enjoyed here today, I am tabling this bill today as an exposure draft. I will also be writing to members today seeking comment on the proposed bill and guidelines. I would like to introduce the bill in the spring 2011 sittings so I am requesting comments by 19 May 2011. This timing would allow the bill to be introduced and debated well before the next election in 2012.
I believe the introduction of the Election Commitment Costings Bill will lead to improved transparency and will strengthen the level and integrity of financial information provided to the ACT electorate during the election process and that the bill and guidelines are a positive step forward for the territory.
Mature age employment
Paper and statement by minister
MS BURCH (Brindabella—Minister for Disability, Housing and Community Services, Minister for Children and Young People, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Minister for Women) (3.39): For the information of members, I present the following paper:
Mature Age Employment—Report by the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing, dated 8 June 2010.
I move:
That the Assembly take note of the paper.
I am pleased to table today the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing’s report on mature age employment and I congratulate the council for undertaking this extensive piece of work and for their valuable ongoing input into government policy and planning. I would also like to recognise the chair of the ministerial advisory council, Alan Hodges, who joins me today. Thank you, Alan.
The ACT, like Australia generally, is experiencing an increasingly ageing population. Members would be aware that with an ageing population comes a reduced labour force participation. When you combine this with the pressure to find capable, skilled workers and a drop in young people entering the labour market, there is a much greater incentive for employers to look at recruiting and retaining older workers. It is well recognised that mature age workers can bring experience, wisdom, leadership and mentorship into their workplaces.
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