Is the Queensland budget all about seniors?
Community Services Minister, Karen Struthers, has described the state government budget for 2010-11 as a budget for seniors.
Ms Struthers said the Bligh government was committed to giving Queensland seniors a better deal.
“That’s why we’re investing millions of dollars in programs to make life easier for older Queenslanders,” Ms Struthers said.
“We’re spending $1.9 million to fund the Seniors Legal and Support Service across the state to provide free expert legal advice to older Queenslanders when they need it.
“We’re spending $1.15 million to fund the Older People’s Action Program to help seniors be more involved in their community and promote healthy ageing and a sense of safety.
“Seniors will benefit from $1.19 million for 60 and better services to develop and manage healthy ageing programs in communities.
“We’re rolling out more than 4,000 social housing dwellings at a cost of $900 million to make sure all Queenslanders, including seniors, have a safe and secure place to live,” she continued.
“We’ve also budgeted $12.6 million to increase the electricity concessions available for pensioners from $190 a year to $216 a year.”
Ms Struthers said the Bligh government’s plan to deliver a better deal for Queensland seniors would fit hand-in-hand with the Positively Ageless whole-of-government seniors strategy launched in May.
“It’s part of a solid plan for action we’ve put in place and a plan we’re going to stick to,” she said.
