Keeping Hervey Bay seniors connected

Published Monday, 20 September, 2021 at 02:54 PM

JOINT STATEMENT

Premier and Minister for Trade
The Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk

Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships
The Honourable Craig Crawford

Cost of living rebates, the COVID health response and the vaccine rollout and staying safe from scams were key topics discussed at the latest Palaszczuk Government’s Seniors Expo held this afternoon in Hervey Bay.

 

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk who attended as part of her government’s Regional Cabinet program in Hervey Bay said it was wonderful to see so many seniors come together to take part in this expo.

 

“The Hervey Bay electorate has the highest number of seniors in Queensland,” the Premier said.

 

“It’s important they’re getting the information they need on issues important to them.

 

“They were given some great advice on matters ranging from smoke alarms, rebates and concessions, to driver’s licences and staying safe from scams.

 

“Of particular interest to everyone was the update from Queensland Health staff about the local COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout and what it means locally.

 

“It’s crucial that older Queenslanders can access the information they need about the vaccine rollout, so they can feel safe and confident about their decision to vaccinate.”

 

Minister for Seniors Craig Crawford said the Palaszczuk Government is hosting a series of Seniors Expos across the state designed to connect seniors with local services and support.

 

“In Hervey Bay, seniors were particularly interested to talk to staff from Smart Service Queensland,” Mr Crawford said.

 

“We know our concessions and rebates can save seniors thousands of dollars a year to help ease cost of living pressures.

 

“Staff from my department help Queensland seniors to access the concessions and rebates they are entitled to.

 

“The Palaszczuk Government is providing $423.1 million in 2021-22 for important concessions and rebates for seniors and other members of the community that includes electricity, utility bills, rates and health related concessions.”

 

Member for Hervey Bay Adrian Tantari said it was a great and informative Expo.

 

“Because my electorate has the highest number of seniors of anywhere in Queensland, it’s also important their needs are considered when planning age-friendly communities,” Mr Tantari said.

 

“We know we need to get our planning right to ensure that we have the right services in place for seniors now, and in the future.

 

“The Expo will also give seniors the chance to inform our planning and Queensland’s next ageing strategy.”

 

In the 2021-22 State Budget, it was announced $4.8 million over four years and $1.2 million per year ongoing would support seniors legal and support services, financial protection advice and a scams and fraud protection helpline for seniors.

 

The Palaszczuk Government supports older people in the Hervey Bay region by funding the Seniors in Focus Service, Older Men Unlimited, the Hervey Bay 60 and Better Service and the Maryborough & District Committee on the Ageing. These services help older people stay connected and engaged with their community.

 

For more information visit https://www.qld.gov.au/seniors/legal-finance-concessions/seniors-expos


[ENDS]

 

Media contact:

Peter Michael 0477 948 091