Page 1947 - Week 05 - Thursday, 5 May 2011
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With regards to ageing, the Council on the Ageing in their budget submission requested several items largely concerning health funding. One of their requests was for a mobile dental clinic to minimise travel difficulties for older people. This proposal has not been funded. While I recognise there are ongoing discussions at a federal level on dental care, there is still no resolution on this and it is an area of healthcare which remains underfunded. It is also an area that does not receive the focus it should, as it impacts on so many areas of health for people who have poor dental health. Older people are particularly impacted, so I hope to see recognition of this in future budgets.
COTA also made a submission on the respecting patient choices program. This is a program the Greens would like to see an increase in resources directed to. This is an important program in terms of making sure that people are aware of what their choices will be when they become ill. It is important that it is promoted as well with older people so they know they can access this program.
With regards to the Brindabella electorate, I welcome some hard fought wins for groups in the Brindabella electorate. Stephen Caldicott, President of Tuggeranong Archery Club, has campaigned for a number of years for the construction of a multi-use sporting facility in Tuggeranong, so I am extremely pleased to see this funded in the budget. The multi-use facility will also house the Tuggeranong Men’s Shed. The men’s sheds are extremely important groups in terms of reducing social isolation and addressing mental health issues for men. Currently, the group is divided between two sites at the Lake Tuggeranong Sea Scouts club and Lions haven, Kambah. So I hope this allows them to bring all their activities together on one site and that that will be a real positive for them.
The Greens submitted two budget bids for a park and ride in Calwell and a Redex-style service departing from Calwell. I am disappointed that, while there has been an extension of the Blue Rapid service to Kippax, there will not be a similar service for south Tuggeranong. I recognise that Calwell is currently serviced by two peak Xpresso services to the city. However, if we want to improve services to this area of Tuggeranong, expansion of current services is most definitely warranted.
I understand that Calwell has been included in a park and ride feasibility study in the 2010-11 transport for Canberra program, which was expected to report in April this year. I very much look forward to the minister providing the results of this study publicly very soon. In regards to the Calwell park and ride, I would like to acknowledge the work of Nick Tsoulis, who has campaigned for this facility for a number of years.
Mr Coe: As has Steve Doszpot.
MS BRESNAN: I recognise Steve Doszpot as well. Thank you, Mr Coe. There was considerable support for the Calwell park and ride from a range of community organisations, schools, businesses and individuals, and I sent those letters to the ministers concerned and also to the other members from Brindabella. I hope they took note of those letters. I hope that the minister and the department listen to the support that exists for a park and ride in Calwell.
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