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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 6 Hansard (17 June) . . Page.. 1902 ..


MR QUINLAN

(continuing):

What we have done is say we would continue for the length of the contract for the V8 car race. We will continue that official $4 million-although it is costing more, he said

quickly. Going back to the normal level of funding gives you that 23 per cent drop.

This government will take a close look at the level we spend on tourism. We recognise that we need to make a continuing, positive effort in relation to tourism. Part of the development of Australian Capital Tourism is to try and engage, in a much more positive way, than has been done in the past, with the players involved in that industry. It has been accepted positively, and I hope that members of this place will at least try and give it a positive kick as well.

MRS DUNNE

: I take it from the minister's answer that that was a qualified "Probably, if you really press us."So how much money are you going to consider giving to boost Australian Capital Tourism, or is the name change just flim-flam to cover the fact that you have no polices?

MR QUINLAN

: There are additional funds in the upcoming budget anyway. No is the answer to the second part.

Retirement units-age for entry

MRS CROSS: Mr Speaker, my question is to Mr Corbell, in his capacity as Minister for Planning. Minister, there appears to be some confusion in PALM as to the appropriate age for acknowledging older persons, when it comes to plan approvals and retirement units. I understand that some people in PALM believe that planning in this regard should be aimed at those who are 60 years or older.

MR SPEAKER

: Or younger.

MRS CROSS

: Yes, Mr Speaker. I did not think you would fit anywhere near that category!

MRS CROSS

: As I understand it, the general legal age for being older is 55 years-something that the Council on the Ageing and the federal government both acknowledge. Minister, is PALM's position at the moment that 60 years of age is the lower level for "older persons"in respect of planning-and on what do they base this position?

MR CORBELL

: Mr Speaker, I am conscious that I am the young minister here, so I will be careful about my language. I think Mrs Cross is referring to the issue of under what category certain types of housing should be designated in respect of access for people aged 55 or 60.

This has been an issue of some debate between development proponents and PALM over recent months. The bottom line is that, in relation to aged care residential facilities and supported housing developments, there is no consistent application of an age limit. There are a number of aged care facilities in this city which accept residents only once they reach 60 years of age. Equally, there are a number of others who accept residents only once they reach 55 years of age.


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