Page 1105 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 30 March 2011
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The results of this survey will inform the planned ACT older persons assembly scheduled for 30 September. It will further recognise the valued status of seniors and provide a useful discussion to guide the way the ACT government can enhance its funded services that support senior services that are delivered.
Another way in which the government has sought to give older Canberrans a greater voice has been through the ACT Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing. Through regular meetings, they provide a very useful resource for government, and I acknowledge and recognise the council’s work.
The government also works in close partnership with the senior peak bodies, senior organisations and a diverse range of individuals to address the ageing issues and improve services and formulate positive ideas. And I recognise in the audience today Paul Flint, who is on the executive of COTA, the Council on the Ageing, and I commend the work that they do. Paul and his team have put on, again, a very successful and extraordinarily diverse Seniors Week. I think at the expo at the bus stop market there were over 100-plus stalls. I heard it was one of the biggest that you ever had. The contributions to that market came from not only government organisations but also recreational group service providers and other broad ranges of groups that all go to serve and provide activities, recreation and services for older Canberrans.
This government also works to progress the strategic plan for positive ageing and to meet our obligations with cross-government and community representation. This group will meet regularly and serve as a think-tank to channel reports on progress and to share and facilitate initiatives.
If I can go back to the older persons assembly, I know that COTA is involved in that planning. It is being chaired by Marion Reilly from the Ministerial Advisory Council on Ageing, but certainly COTA has a significant role to play in that planning and progress. And I am sure Marion keeps you very busy, Paul, on the task.
In this work, the government recognises the need for better engagement with the business sector, which makes a significant contribution to community life. While much needs to be done to build stronger partnerships between the business sector and the community and government sectors, I am heartened by the example of the Life’s Reflections photographic competition where businesses have consistently shown a commitment to the cause by promoting positive images of our seniors and their value in the place and our community. And the local business community provides that support through direct sponsorship. Again, I crossed paths with Paul last night at a function where we celebrated Life’s Reflections opportunities and the commitment by the local business sector.
Also earlier this week I made comment about mature age employment. Before I go to that, though, I also would like to note the grand party in the park. It was on, I think, a weekend or so ago, and I have to say I probably missed the highlight of that weekend where Mr Hargreaves and some colleagues entertained the folk there. That was part of Seniors Week.
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