Page 897 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 20 March 2019
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MADAM SPEAKER: There is a fine line. Did you want to repeat what you said, minister?
MR RAMSAY: I am happy to withdraw.
MADAM SPEAKER: Thank you. A reminder to members on both sides: it goes both ways. There are often many comments coming from members on my left that points of order could be raised about: mocking behaviour and other such things.
Ms Lawder: On your ruling, Madam Speaker, I do not think I have accused Mr Ramsay of making things up.
MADAM SPEAKER: I am saying it about many a time by members on my left. I am not saying it about the past five minutes. As I sit here, it is just an observation that I make, Ms Lawder. Minister.
MR RAMSAY: Thank you, Madam Speaker. We know that we have the most educated, the healthiest, and the longest-living population in Australia. So it is important that we ensure that our seniors are getting the most out of later life. The ACT government acknowledges the enormous contribution of these older citizens. They have been, and they still are, our workforce, and they continue to be our volunteers, our carers, our grandparents and our loved family members. Seniors Week provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of our older members of this community.
Madam Speaker, according to the 2016 census data, 12.5 per cent of Canberrans are aged 65 or over and they are an important and growing group in our community. The ACT Treasury projections indicate that by 2058, 17.4 per cent of the ACT population will be aged 65 or over, a significant proportion of the people who live in Canberra who are valued and integral members of this community.
Yesterday the Chief Minister launched the week-long Seniors Week celebrations at the Chief Minister’s concert. I was disappointed, because I had to rush back for question time, that I was not able to stay for the whole concert. The small amount that I did see was obviously well-enjoyed by those attending, as has been mentioned by Ms Lawder. Both the 11 o’clock and the one o’clock sessions were sold out.
The government actively supports Seniors Week celebrations each year. Members would be aware that one of the largest Seniors Week events is the Seniors Week Expo, which will be held at EPIC tomorrow. The event attracts large numbers of our seniors to access information from hundreds of stallholders, who provide information on services and activities available in Canberra.
Whether it is new community and interest groups to join, options for where and how seniors live and travel or opportunities to improve quality of life, the expo provides so many ways for our seniors to enjoy later life and to remain active, connected and an integral part of the Canberra community. I am looking forward to being over there to launch the expo tomorrow, to cut the Seniors Week Expo cake and to speak with the attendees there.
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