1999-2000
Our commitment to Australia's seniors
The Federal Government's policies and programs are giving older people and their families choices and a range of support services, allowing all older Australians to participate in and contribute to our society.
Dr Michael Wooldridge
Minister for Health and Aged Care
11 May 1999 Our commitment to Australia's seniors
The Federal Government's policies and programs are giving older people and their families choices and a range of support services, allowing all older Australians to participate in and contribute to our society.
"The introduction of a wide range of health and aged care initiatives this year will build on the solid record of this Government in ensuring effective income support, health and aged care services for all older Australians," the Minister for Aged Care, Bronwyn Bishop, said following the Budget.
"The Government has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to older Australians through our wide range of policies and programs which are detailed in Our Commitment to Australia's Seniors, my Ministerial Statement on the Budget.
"I am proud to be the Minister responsible for shaping the Commonwealth's response to the International Year of Older Persons.
"Older Australians' wisdom and contribution to the community are the foundation and strength of our society.
"I want the International Year of Older Persons to mark the beginning of cultural change which sees older Australians recognised for their continuing contribution to our community, not only for what they have done in the past.
"I urge Australians of all ages to take the time to acknowledge the positive impact older people have on their lives, while at the same time, think about ways we can improve the lives of those older people."
This Budget has doubled the Commonwealth financial commitment to the International Year.
"A further $5 million has been allocated to begin the important process of cultural change, with campaigns to combat negative stereotypes of older people and recognise their wisdom and the importance of their experience," Mrs Bishop said.
"To sustain this change at all levels, I am personally committed to ensuring that the needs and aspirations of older people are taken into account when we develop policies for the future.
"I am honoured that the Prime Minister has appointed me chairman of a Ministerial Reference Group to investigate and develop strategies for a whole-of-Government response to ageing in a National Strategy for an Ageing Australia.
"The challenges of an ageing society are broad and involve the intersection of a range of government programs, as well as the interests of non-government organisations, communities and individuals.
"And while Australia's changing demographic is inescapable, governments have the capacity to shape the ways we embrace this change.
"This Government has promised a coordinated approach to the delivery of services to Australians. This is demonstrated in the Budget, by whole-of-Government and cross-Government approaches," Mrs Bishop said.
"Australia must ensure that it continues to develop and adopt policies that maximise the capacity of older people to continue to participate in and contribute to the community.
"We must continue to shape policies and programs that promote better health, better retirement incomes, and more flexible employment and caring arrangements.
"An 'older' Australia is not an impending burden.
"It is a cause for celebration that Australians are living longer, healthier, active lives and contributing to the overall strength of our nation," Mrs Bishop said.
Contact:
John Wilson, (02) 6277 7280, 0412 437 317.
