Page 477 - Week 03 - Tuesday, 13 March 2007
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reciprocity between the states and territories—even if it has to be through bilateral arrangements because we cannot get a national scheme up and running.
I find it amazing that we cannot get a national scheme up and running on something as simple as that. Older people have contributed hugely to our society, and continue to do so. Older people have raised families. Many of them have gone through the Depression. They have fought in wars on behalf of their country. They have put their bodies on the line for their country. They have raised families. They have, almost to a man and woman, been productive, useful model citizens who have assisted and caused Australia to grow into the great country it is today. The very least we can do, especially in Seniors Week, is ensure that some benefits flow back to them, including simple things like reciprocal arrangements in terms of travel. Things like that are the very least we can do for citizens who have contributed so much to our society and, thankfully, contributed so much in so many ways on a continuing basis.
I commend Ms Porter for bring this motion; it is very timely. It is appropriate that we pay tribute to our senior citizens, take steps to ensure that we can make their life easier than it is, and give thanks for the great efforts they have made and continue to make on behalf of Canberra and, indeed, Australia.
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella) (4.18): This week, as we have heard, is Seniors Week, which gives us an opportunity to reflect on the particular needs of older Canberrans and to recognise the special role that they play in our community.
Throughout Canberra this week there are various exhibitions, talks, debates and sporting and performance arts events that explore and reflect on our senior citizens. It started with a function I attended on Monday morning, as did many of my Assembly colleagues—the Chief Minister’s breakfast to launch the week at the Ainslie Football Club.
Senior citizens play a special role in our community; they are volunteers, workers, community leaders, teachers, students, guardians, dependants, care givers, care receivers, mothers and fathers. The way the elderly are viewed and the lifestyles they live have changed dramatically compared with past generations. Australians are now living longer and healthier lives. People are retiring earlier and, as we have heard, older Canberrans are getting fitter. We have the highest number of older people participating in sports compared with other jurisdictions.
Senior citizens also make a valuable contribution to their families. With the improvements in health, seniors not only are working longer but are able to take active roles in looking after their grandchildren. At a stage when many of their children are working full time, grandparents who undertake the role of babysitter not only relieve some financial burden on their children but provide a valuable opportunity for bonding and continuity with their grandchildren and teach them family culture. Intergenerational exchanges like this provide opportunities to share knowledge that leads to greater tolerance and understanding.
Seniors give back to the community in a number of ways, not only socially but also economically. Seniors make a valuable contribution to the economy through investment in superannuation, rental properties and business. Just because someone
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