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Other speechesThis page is dedicated to Peter's speeches made outside of parliament. They include Peter's speeches at local events in the Southport electorate such as School functions, building openings and non for profit groups functions. They usually include a list of acknowledgements of the people attending the function, a special acknowledgement to the traditional owners of the land as well as dot point notes used by Peter.  Please click on the links below to view Peter speeches for the relevant year:-
Seniors Travel & Lifestlye Expo |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 06 2006 |
| Other Speeches >> |
• Firstly, I'd like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Elders of the land on which we meet.
• I'd also like to acknowledge:
• Chris Herron, Director, Seniors Card New Zealand;
• Jill White, Acting Director, Office for Seniors, Department of Communities; and the major sponsor of this event Laurie Grima of OFM Investment Group;
• Other distinguished guests;
• Ladies and gentlemen.
• It gives me great pleasure to represent Warren Pitt, the Minister for Communities, Disability Services and Seniors, at the official opening of the Gold Coast Seniors Travel and Lifestyle Expo.
• Warren has asked me to pass on his apologies because he wanted to be here, but unfortunately other commitments prevented this.
• However, it's certainly wonderful to see so many people here at the expo.
AGEING OF THE POPULATION
• We know that the active participation of seniors helps to build healthy communities, and contributes to positive ageing.
• Therefore, it's important to promote the interests of older people, and put in place strategies and programs to support our ageing population.
• By the year 2021, it's expected that older people will comprise 17 per cent of Queensland's population, compared to 11.5 per cent back in 2001.
(Office of Economical and Statistical Research, 2004).
• Over the same period, the number of Queenslanders aged 65 years and over, is projected to double to around 825,000.
• The aging of the population has implications for the whole community, which is why it's important for Queensland to develop a longterm response to the challenges and opportunities ahead.
QLD GOVERNMENT'S SENIORS INITIATIVES
• The Queensland Government, through the Department of Communities, is committed to helping our seniors, and recognises the vital role they play in our society.
• The department has a lead role across government for ageing and older people's issues, and has established the Office for Seniors.
• You are probably aware of many initiatives, programs and support services provided by the Office for Seniors', but let me quickly outline some of them for you.
SOCIAL PARTICIPATION/SOCIAL ISOLATION
• Firstly, we know that social isolation can have a significant effect on both physical and mental health.
• In fact, it's been identified as a "risk factor" for depression and suicide.
• Many older people are active members of their communities, however some seniors can experience a range of barriers that limit their social participation.
• That is why the department funds a range of initiatives to enhance the social participation of seniors, and support those who are at risk of social isolation.
GRANDPARENT CARERS
• Another important issue facing older Queenslanders relates to those who are the primary carers of grandchildren.
• We know that raising grandchildren, although very rewarding, can be challenging and difficult at times.
• Grandparents have identified the need for support such as respite, particularly during the school holidays.
• The government supports grandparent carers through the provision of vacation respite via the "Time for Grandparents program".
• The 2006-07 State Budget made provision for this program, with an allocation of $584,000 to resource this initiative.
ACTIVE AGEING
• Active ageing is another area of importance to seniors.
• Many Queensland seniors make significant contributions to the community through volunteering and paid work.
• It's also important to recognise the ongoing influence of older Indigenous people - as intergenerational "cultural role models" - in strengthening their families and communities.
• The Department of Communities organises and participates in a range of events to promote and acknowledge these contributions and the achievements of seniors.
• Some of these initiatives include:
o Seniors Week;
o the Premier's Awards for Queensland Seniors;
o the Young at Art Competition; and …
o the Older People Speak Out Media Awards.
• Seniors Week is an event we are all very proud of.
• Seniors Week has been an annual statewide celebration since 1986 - and funding of $100,000 is provided by the Queensland Government each year.
• In 2006, Seniors Week celebrates it's 21st Anniversary with a wide range of events to be held from the 19th to the 27th of August 2006.
SENIORS CARD:
• I'd now like to talk about one of our most popular initiatives - and one which most of you probably participate in - the Seniors Card program.
• The Seniors Card was introduced in 1990 as a way of saying "thank you" to our older residents.
• It was also an acknowledgement that every dollar counts during retirement years.
• All Queensland residents aged 60 or over, are eligible to receive either a Seniors Card, or a Seniors Business Discount Card.
• The Seniors Card gives access to Government concessions and shopping discounts.
• To be eligible you must be:
• aged 65 and over - and not working full time; or …
• aged 60 to 64, not working full time - and receiving a Commonwealth pension, or hold a health card.
• Queensland residents aged 60 or over who are not eligible for a Seniors Card can receive a Seniors Business Discount Card.
• Seniors Cards and the Seniors Business Discount Cards are issued as permanent life-time cards.
• I'm very pleased that Queenslanders enjoy one of the most generous and expansive Seniors Cards schemes in Australia.
• Seniors Card is a partnership between government and the business community.
• Similarly, our Seniors Business Discount Card provides shopping discounts at thousands of participating businesses throughout the State.
• Today there are more than 8,500 business outlets throughout Queensland that recognise Seniors Cardholders.
• The Seniors Card program has continually improved over the last 15 years, and this year seven regionalised Seniors Card Business Discount Directories were introduced.
• These directories provide comprehensive listings of all businesses offering Seniors Card discounts in the each region.
• This makes it easier for you to find businesses in your area.
• By catering to the needs of their older customers, businesses help to make an active later life more affordable, and acknowledge the growing market power of older people.
• If you don't already have a Seniors Card or Business Discount Card, visit the Department of Communities' website for eligibility information and to apply for a card.
• The Queensland Government currently provides about $430 million worth of concessions each year to a range of people - including seniors card holders.
• Concessions are available on items such as electricity, public transport, motor vehicle and boat registration, plus a range of health services including dental, optical and ambulance benefits.
• I'd like to thank you for joining me here today at the Gold Coast Seniors Travel and Lifestyle Expo.
• I'm very pleased to have had the opportunity to outline some of the Queensland Government programs for seniors.
• I hope you have found this information useful and that you will enjoy the rest of your time here today.
• I would now like to declare officially open the Seniors Travel and Lifestyle Expo.
• Thank you.
Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 12:10 PM
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