Page 826 - Week 03 - Thursday, 25 March 1993
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SENIORS WEEK
Ministerial Statement
MS FOLLETT (Chief Minister and Treasurer) (3.14): Madam Speaker, I ask for leave of the Assembly to make a ministerial statement on Seniors Week.
Leave granted.
MS FOLLETT: Madam Speaker, this week is Seniors Week in the ACT - a week in which the community can focus on the achievements, the needs and the rights of the senior citizens in the ACT. It is fitting that Seniors Week be recognised in the Assembly by a ministerial statement.
The Government has a strong commitment to ensuring that the welfare of this important group within our community is safeguarded. For government to respond to the needs of the ageing, it is important that we have a good understanding of the way in which our population is changing. In 1991 the ACT population census recorded around 17,000 people aged 65 years or more. It is expected that by the year 2005 there will be more than 28,000 people aged 65 years and over. Further, the age group of 75 years or more is expected to more than double by the year 2005. The increase in the number of senior citizens in the ACT has been attributed in part to rapid growth in the ACT and in part to more people living to older ages. This is encouraging news. The ACT has experienced some migration of senior citizens, but by far the greatest increase is due to the ageing of the existing ACT population.
The available data implies two changes in the composition of the ACT population: First, increased numbers of independent and vigorous older people who have been saved from ill health by primary health care and, second, increased numbers of frail older people whose lives have been extended by secondary prevention. The latter development has significant implications for services, since this age group tends to need a high level of medical accommodation and community services.
Members may recall that the Assembly Standing Committee on Social Policy examined these matters in its report on aged accommodation and support services in the ACT, tabled in December of last year. I note that one of the committee's recommendations calls for the establishment of an information office for the aged. Madam Speaker, the availability of high-quality information which can be easily accessed is fundamental to the notion of a socially just community. Our senior citizens must be aware of the programs and services available to them, to ensure that they enjoy the freedom of access to which they are entitled. The Government will consider these needs carefully in responding to the committee's report.
The priority given by the Government to the development of an access and equity strategy to operate across the ACT Government Service is further evidence of our commitment to provide information and services to ageing people. At this stage, individual agency plans have been made available for community consultation and the results of this consultation will be reflected in the whole of government strategy currently being prepared.
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