Page 899 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 20 March 2019
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ACT community. This assists older people to access the services. COTA ACT is also provided with funding to administer the ACT seniors card program. Through the program, eligible seniors are able to access savings on a range of goods and services. I commend COTA ACT for their work with the expo, for their broader work and for their work with the seniors card.
In regard to concessions for older Canberrans, the government remains committed to a fairer, sustainable and targeted concessions program. In the 2018-19 ACT budget, it broadened the rates deferral scheme for older Canberrans aged 65. Additionally, the general rates age deferral scheme removed the income and the unimproved land value thresholds. The scheme allows eligible property owners to defer their annual general rates payments until such time as their property is sold.
Additionally, seniors cardholders are provided with free off-peak travel on Transport Canberra buses, while those over the age of 70 are able to travel free during off-peak times. We are also providing all seniors cardholders with free travel all week during Seniors Week.
The government provides rebates of up to $700 for eligible pensioners on their rates. It provides concessions on utilities, and recently increased the value of the concession by $50 to $654 per household. The government provides full stamp duty concession for eligible pensioners who wish to downsize to housing that better suits their needs. We have also expanded the hospital in the home program so that 3,000 more Canberrans a year can receive high quality care in their own home.
We have boosted the older persons mental health intensive treatment service to provide stronger case management and clinical care to older Canberrans being discharged from hospital, living in residential aged care or experiencing issues with housing.
We will continue to provide targeted assistance to those who are most in need. As part of my work in the targeted assistance strategy before I entered this place, I recommended that the government set up a portal which outlines what concessions are available. I am pleased that this was implemented. I am also pleased to hear that the website is currently being reviewed to modernise it further and to update it to make it more user friendly. I affirm your work, Madam Speaker, as part of that as well.
Madam Speaker, you will often hear me say that I believe that we are stronger as a society when everyone belongs, when everyone is valued and when everyone has the opportunity to participate. In an age-friendly city, people of all ages are treated with respect and their contributions are recognised and valued. This government will continue to work to build this city as one that is age-friendly. While we know that there is more we can do, we will strive to make this the best place for our seniors to live. Because I support and value seniors, and because this government supports and values seniors, I move the amendment circulated in my name:
Omit all words after “That this Assembly”, and substitute:
(1) notes that:
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