Page 1521 - Week 05 - Wednesday, 4 May 2016
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(c) the extensive community consultation carried out to inform the ACT Active Ageing Framework 2015-2018 which expresses the Government’s guiding principles and priorities for ACT seniors over the next four years; and
(2) calls on the ACT Government to continue to improve outcomes for ACT seniors by implementing the ACT Active Ageing Framework 2015-2018 as outlined in the ACT Active Ageing Action Plan.”.
MR BARR (Molonglo—Chief Minister, Treasurer, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Tourism and Events and Minister for Urban Renewal) (4.23): I thank, firstly, Mr Doszpot for raising this motion today and also Dr Bourke for his amendment and contribution. There are a number of elements to Mr Doszpot’s motion and his speech that I can agree with. There are others where I feel grievously misrepresented, but I will come to that in due course. It is indeed acknowledged, Madam Speaker, that—
Mr Coe: And everyone who feels grievously misrepresented smiles while saying it.
MR BARR: That is right. The 2011 census did indeed record 38,159 ACT residents, or 11 per cent of the population, aged 65 or over. I have absolutely no doubt that the 2015 intergenerational report is correct when it predicts that there will be a requirement for those 65 and over to continue to participate in the workforce and that over the next 40 years you will see an increase.
I anticipate being part of that cohort, because over the next 40 years I will, like many people in this place, move into that cohort of being 65 years or over. As Mick Jagger and Keith Richards wrote in 1974, “Time waits for no-one, no favours has he.” It is indeed true, I agree, Mr Doszpot; we are all getting older.
I am prepared to accept on face value what is stated in paragraph 1(d), that life expectancy will indeed increase by 2055. I am a little concerned that the gap between men and women will grow to 11 years. I hope that is not the case and there is a typo in the motion. Regardless, it is not a significant point. Nonetheless, I think the point you are trying to make is that life expectancy will continue to increase, and that is certainly the case.
In my recent state of the territory address I spoke at length, as Mr Doszpot indicated, about a number of important things for the city of Canberra. Because I delivered that address and I was actually there, I know what I said. That will probably put me in a better position to be able to advise the Assembly of what I said and what I said in response to questions afterwards.
But let me quote some elements of the speech that are, of course, on the public record. I spoke of a vision for Canberra that relies on no-one’s efforts but our own. Mr Doszpot acknowledged that. I spoke of this city being one of the world’s most liveable and competitive cities. I went on to say that it was important that it was welcoming to all. I mean that, Madam Assistant Speaker: welcoming to all.
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