Page 1587 - Week 05 - Tuesday, 14 May 2019
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we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to further improving our approaches to social inclusion, transport, infrastructure, health, justice and human rights for older Canberrans.
I was pleased recently to launch the age-friendly city vision for our city. It identifies 12 principles that will underpin the whole-of-government work across all areas of concern to older Canberrans. Through a long consultation period we heard that older Canberrans want good access to information, services and opportunities to foster their independence and active involvement in city life. This includes access to suitable housing, transport and health services.
They value recognition of their contributions to society and they want to ensure that community attitudes afford dignity and respect towards older people. They seek to ensure that their voices are heard in policy development and that city services meet their needs. They are particularly concerned with addressing ageism, barriers to participation and the abuse of vulnerable older people.
On this particularly serious matter I remind the Assembly that last July, the Older Persons ACT Legal Service, or OPALS, commenced operations to provide a specialist legal service for older Canberrans. I take a moment to thank the members of my ministerial advisory council on ageing, especially the outgoing chair, Fiona May, for their work towards preparing this vision, as well as everyone who participated in consultations. The work of MACA has been integral to setting the direction for Canberra’s future.
Part of being an age-friendly city is having age-friendly suburbs. The ACT government has recently announced the next suburbs to receive footpath and pedestrian crossing upgrades to improve accessibility and connectivity in residential areas with higher concentrations of older people. These improvements are intended to ensure that older people who may no longer be able to drive or those who choose not to drive and instead get out and about on foot have safe ways to get around. The latest suburbs to receive age-friendly upgrades are Narrabundah, Isabella Plains, Stirling, Campbell, Aranda and Holt.
For older Canberrans who prefer to get around on public transport, holders of an ACT seniors card receive transport concessions. Those up to 70 years of age pay only the concessional fare at all times and pay nothing during off-peak hours, weekends, and public holidays. Those aged 70 and over receive completely free public transport. The ACT government also funds the flexible bus service that provides specialised transport to those in the community who are at risk of social isolation and is specifically intended to meet the needs of the elderly and those with a disability. The service particularly benefits those people living in aged-care homes or retirement villages and people impacted by a permanent or temporary disability that affects their mobility.
In the ACT the Council on the Ageing, or COTA, manages the seniors card program. In addition to public transport concessions, these cards entitle the holder to a range of discounts on retail goods and services, as well as a 10 per cent discount on car registration or hire for gas or electric vehicles. The seniors card recognises older
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