Page 1858 - Week 09 - Thursday, 19 October 1989
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sometimes seem to me to be counterproductive to good government, but I have no such worry about the work of committees.
In that context, we get on with the job in hand; we listen respectfully, and often humbly, to professional and technical advice although we then make up our own minds. I would commend, especially to the media, that this side of our work for our city be noted, discussed, reported and disseminated in order to give the citizens of the city the full feel of what we do here. I find that the work in connection with the report on the needs of the ageing justifies our presence here in this new experiment in self-government.
I reach out now to all those Canberrans who are in their 60s and older to say that we well understand that they now form an increasing percentage of the total population. I do commend the demographic figures in the report to all members of the Assembly and the public. They - that is, the 60-year-olds and over - must be heard and their needs must be given proper attention. Yet, at the same time - and I am now 61 myself - I recognise that we must always give priority to those who will be the future citizens of our city and nation.
We must not selfishly impose impossible economic and social demands on a society already under great pressure to provide welfare and educational and medical services. I do not believe that most of the aged, so well described by Bill Wood, do so. They are, indeed, not sissies; they do know what the hardships of life are.
Finally, I want to urge that the very best way for most of us who come under the category of "the aged" to survive, flourish, enjoy life and continue to contribute to our society is to keep well, maintain our daily lives at high levels of practical productivity and refuse to be a burden on society. One part of the report deals with that, but no matter how active those of us over 60 may be, there will come a time when we will all need help.
I come to another historical first for the Assembly. I wish to table a document which may be a little awkward to fit into Hansard but is of such significance - and I have checked with the chairman about this - that every member will wish to have it in his or her possession. Alas, it does not cover all members as it contains no reference to the four or five members in the chamber who are in their 30s. This document was obtained through a COTA meeting in Tuggeranong - in Tuggeranong, be it noted. I pleaded for a copy of it when I saw it on the wall. This document speaks to us all - except the youngsters of 30.
It says: "At 40, life begins; at 50, we are settling in; at 60, it is in full swing" - note that, Trevor.
Mr Kaine: You are right!
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