Page 2871 - Week 08 - Wednesday, 14 August 2019
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video
detoxification and relieves stress. Persistent and chronic pain is much more prevalent in older people, affecting one in three people over the age of 65, as documented by Painaustralia.
A hydrotherapy pool can contribute to seniors having an active social lifestyle. Seniors who make a conscious effort to stay socially active and engage in relationships are known to enjoy multiple health benefits. Studies have shown that socially active seniors have five things in common—increased physical health, a boosted immune system, a more positive outlook on life, improved mental sharpness and longer, happier lives. There are all these benefits for seniors, yet the hydrotherapy pool is not a priority for this government.
We know what the Chief Minister thinks about older Canberrans—he does not value them or their contribution, and he has spoken about that publicly. He seems to wish that older people would leave Canberra and retire down the coast so that he no longer has to worry about them. For example, the chairperson of the Inner South Canberra Community Council once said that Mr Barr had long made it clear that he was only interested in talking to younger generations.
We have spoken about the hydrotherapy pool many times in this place. To me, it goes back to the debate on health we had yesterday on the Appropriation Bill—it demonstrates yet again the government’s lack of planning and lack of leadership. We have talked about the pool approaching the end of its useful life. Is it a surprise to the government that this has occurred maybe in the past couple of months? This government has been in power for years. Suddenly they want to use that space for something else, so conveniently we have to get rid of the hydrotherapy pool.
We have already agreed in this place that we should keep that hydrotherapy pool open until a suitable replacement is available on the south side of Canberra. That does not mean going to other swimming pools. We are not talking about swimming or aqua aerobics; we are talking about hydrotherapy, where a certain temperature in the pool is important for its medical benefits, as opposed to the wrong temperature potentially making people worse and exacerbating their pain.
I commend Mrs Dunne for continuing to progress this issue and representing the many, many Canberrans who feel so strongly about it. The government are trying to brush this underneath the rug and come up with as many excuses as possible as to why they will continue to do what they have always wanted to do, despite all the community concerns to the contrary. I thank Mrs Dunne for bringing the motion forward today.
MADAM SPEAKER: Mrs Dunne, are you speaking to the amendment and closing the debate?
MRS DUNNE (Ginninderra) (11.15): If no-one else wants to speak, I will do both, Madam Speaker. I thank members for their contribution to this important issue. I note that it was after I rose to my feet to speak to this motion that the minister circulated her amendment. As usual, she is taking her—
Next page . . . . Previous page . . . . Speeches . . . . Contents . . . . Debates(HTML) . . . . PDF . . . . Video