Page 922 - Week 04 - Tuesday, 19 April 1994
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legislation will be introduced soon to enable rates to be deferred at the concessional rate rather than at their full level. This scheme assists older people to conserve their income and to have the quality of life they deserve. I would urge all older people in this situation to consider it as an option.
Madam Speaker, as can be seen from these measures, the Government targets its social welfare measures to those in greatest need in order to achieve the best results with the limited funds available. The seniors card scheme, on the other hand, is intended to recognise the contribution older Canberrans have made and continue to make to our community in many different ways. Anyone 60 years or over can apply for a seniors card regardless of their financial status. The variety of the 300-odd businesses that belong to the scheme makes the seniors card a very valuable asset for older citizens of the ACT. Yesterday I launched the 1994 ACT Seniors' Card Directory when I officially opened Seniors Week at the Council on the Ageing (ACT) offices. During Seniors Week seniors card holders will be able to travel on ACTION buses free of charge.
Madam Speaker, the points I have made in the statement today illustrate that the Government cares about older people in the ACT and is planning strategically for their future. Perhaps most importantly, my remarks reflect the philosophical approach which starts from the belief that older people have a major contribution to make to our community. They must also have a say if we are to deliver services and policies that are truly relevant to their needs. I present a copy of this statement and move:
That the Assembly takes note of the paper.
MR KAINE (3.21): Madam Speaker, there are many areas in which this Government has demonstrated that it lacks any commitment and, in some cases, lacks integrity; but in no area is that more true than in connection with the Government's position towards our seniors.
Mr Wood: Run off!
Mr Connolly: You are huffing and puffing and blowing our house down.
MR KAINE: Just wait and listen. I could have been harsher in my words. Madam Speaker, the Chief Minister began her speech by suggesting that there was a theme that suggests that sometimes older people feel that they are not valued by the community. There is no question that the older community in this city are well aware that they are not valued by this Government. Nothing that the Chief Minister has said today will change that feeling; in fact, what she said will add to it. This speech, like everything else that the Chief Minister has said for the last three years, is nothing but platitudes. There is not one thing in it that indicates that the Government intends to take any action at all. All we are going to have is an interdepartmental committee.
Madam Speaker, this statement is typical of what the Chief Minister has been saying for three years now, and it is typical of the action from this Government - there has been none. Earlier in question time I raised the question of supporting the Council on the Ageing, the only body that speaks for nearly 30,000 people in this community.
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