Media Statements: Statements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx RSS feed for the Statements list. Department of the Premier and Cabinet Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:35:05 GMT Windows SharePoint Services V3 RSS Generator 60 list Media Statements: Statements /_layouts/images/homepage.gif http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Date Descending.aspx Seniors Week 2009 acknowledges contributions to State http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132679 Content:

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney today encouraged Western Australian seniors to be active throughout Seniors Week 2009, which celebrates its 24th year and acknowledges seniors for their contribution to local communities.

 

“There are more than 150 Seniors Week activities happening across the State until November 1.   In Perth, seniors can enjoy free talks on finance, travel, health, safety and family history at the State Library,” Mrs McSweeney said.

 

“They can also get active at Have a Go Day, try a gardening and do-it-yourself workshop at participating Mitre 10 stores or enjoy a discounted movie at their local cinema.  On October 30 they can even visit the Stirling Naval Base at Garden Island for an historical tour.

 

“Seniors now also enjoy free public transport in off-peak hours in the metropolitan area and some regional centres, plus have reciprocal transport arrangements with other States and Territories.  During Seniors Week, seniors can also enjoy popular CAT trails in Perth and Fremantle.

 

“The State Government is committed to addressing priority issues for WA seniors and has demonstrated this with the introduction of many initiatives during the past year, such as the Safety and Security Rebate and the Cost of Living Rebate for Seniors Card holders.”

 

The Minister said eligible Seniors Card holders received some of the most generous discounts in Australia and regional pensioners continued to benefit from the Country Age Pension Fuel Card.

 

“I am proud of this Government’s ongoing commitment to seniors, which includes supporting and funding a number of activities across WA during Seniors Week,” she said.

 

“Seniors Week highlights the unique lifestyle we enjoy, the activities we take part in and organisations we belong to.  It also acknowledges the many selfless contributions our seniors make that enrich the lives of those around them.”

 

Activities being held to celebrate Seniors Week 2009 are listed at the WA Seniors Card website at http://www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au

 

Minister's office  - 9222 895
Date: 25/10/2009
Minister: McSweeney
Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:42:08 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132679 Minister announces winners of Seniors Awards 2009 http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132680 Content:

A 78-year-old Lathlain woman, who is a dedicated volunteer and a seniors’ advocate, has been named the Burswood Western Australian Senior of the Year.

 

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney said Maggie Richardson was a fantastic role model and spokesperson for seniors.

 

“As a founding volunteer member of the Positive Ageing Foundation Australia, Maggie has actively engaged with the media to give seniors a voice and promote views on positive ageing,” Mrs McSweeney said.

 

“Maggie also uses her public speaking skills to give voluntary talks to other seniors, discussing issues such as depression and crime prevention.

 

“For 13 years, Maggie has been a voluntary tour guide for Rottnest Island and Perth Zoo.  She has also been a volunteer and board member for the Arthritis Foundation for six years.

 

“Maggie is an inspiration and her dedication has given seniors a voice that resonates clearly in the community.”

 

Ms Richardson was chosen from a field of outstanding people from throughout WA who were nominated for the 2009 WA Seniors Awards.  The winners were announced at a ceremony this afternoon.

 

“The calibre of nominations was extremely high this year, with people from all walks of life represented,” the Minister said.

 

“All of our individual finalists are inspirational people who often work behind the scenes for the benefit of others.

 

“They refuse to conform to the stereotypical image of seniors and they should be applauded.”

 

Journalists and photographers were also recognised for their positive portrayal of seniors in the media, through the Deborah Kirwan Media Awards. The winner of the print award was Mark Irving from The West Australian; Dominique Menegaldo from the Stirling Times was the winner of the photography award; and the winner for electronic media was Liz Pye from the Curtin FM afternoon show.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 8950
Date: 25/10/2009
Minister: McSweeney
Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering
Region: All
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:44:38 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132680 Minister announces finalists for WA Seniors Awards http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132531 Content:

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney today announced the finalists for the prestigious WA Seniors Awards that will be presented at a gala ceremony at Burswood to mark the start of Seniors Week on October 25, 2009.

 

“The Seniors Awards allow us to thank Western Australian seniors, and those who work with seniors, for the valuable contributions they make to the community,” Mrs McSweeney said.

 

“Finalists have been chosen for their contributions to the community and business sector, for working tirelessly as a volunteer, carer or full-time grandparent, or with indigenous or culturally diverse communities.”

 

One senior will be named the Burswood WA Senior of the Year.

 

In addition, the Westscheme/Council on the Ageing Champion for Seniors Award will recognise individuals of any age, who work in a paid or voluntary capacity to enhance the quality of life for seniors.

 

The Skywest Active Ageing Leadership Award will recognise a group or organisation for its innovative planning or response to the ageing population.

 

The Minister said it was wonderful to see so many high-calibre entries this year.

 

“We are fortunate to have so many impressive finalists who continue to inspire and encourage others with their stories,” she said.

 

“I look forward to hearing more about each of them at the awards ceremony in October.”

 

Members of the media were also recognised for promoting seniors in a positive light and raising awareness of seniors’ issues through the Deborah Kirwan Media Awards.

 

“These awards were named in honour of the late Deborah Kirwan AM, media personality and former president of the WA Council on the Ageing, who worked hard for many years to raise the profile of seniors’ issues in the media,” Mrs McSweeney said.

 

“It is heartening to see so many articles and photographs this year which challenge stereotypes and positively portray seniors in the WA media.”

 

Minister's office - 9222 8950

Date: 24/09/2009
Minister: McSweeney
Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering
Region: All
Attachments: http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/Attachments/132531/WASeniorsAwardfinalists.pdf
]]> Stratford, Pamela Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:51:31 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132531 Start of WA Seniors Card holder Security Rebate http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132171 Content:

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney today announced the start of the anticipated Security Rebate for Western Australian Seniors Card holders as part of the Liberal-National Government election promise.

 

For all eligible purchases from July 1, Western Australian Seniors Card holders can claim a rebate of up to $200 per household towards home security devices.

 

“The Liberal-National Government has again delivered on its promise to deliver a better deal for Western Australian seniors.  We have already delivered the Cost of Living Rebate, Free Transport for Seniors and the Country Fuel Card across the State,” Mrs McSweeney said.

 

“From July 1, Seniors Card holders will be eligible to claim a security rebate of up to $200 per household towards buying or installing home security devices, such as deadlocks, door and window security screens, security sensor lights and alarms.

 

“It is a $10million investment in seniors’ wellbeing and I am proud this Government will be providing the financial assistance to WA seniors to be able to improve their personal safety and sense of security within their homes.”

 

Seniors have until March 31, 2012 to make a claim for the rebate which is payable from October 2009.  Receipts for purchases or installations made after July 1 need to be kept and lodged as part of the claim process for the rebate.

 

The Minister said Seniors Card holders could only apply to receive one rebate per household during the life of the scheme.

 

Claim forms will be available from Australia Post outlets from mid-July 2009 or by telephoning the Seniors Card Centre on 6217 8855 (metropolitan callers) or 1800 671 233 (country callers).  Forms are also available from http://www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au

 

Minister's office  - 9222 8950
Date: 6/07/2009
Minister: McSweeney
Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:45:00 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132171 Minister encourages all walks of life to be represented in Seniors Awards http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132003 Content:

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney has called for nominations as part of the 2009 Western Australian Seniors Awards. 

 

Mrs McSweeney said they were an important way to recognise the valuable contributions seniors made to the community.

 

“The nomination process has been streamlined this year to make it easier for people to enter.  I encourage people this year to think about nominating seniors from all walks of life,” she said.

 

“Seniors will be recognised for their outstanding efforts in volunteering, business, community and working with indigenous or culturally diverse communities.”

 

The winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on October 25, 2009, to mark the start of Seniors Week, where the winner will be named 2009 Burswood WA Senior of the Year.

 

Other individuals who have worked in a paid or voluntary capacity to improve the life of seniors can nominate for the Westscheme Champion for Seniors Award.

 

In addition, a group or organisation that has developed policies, programs, services and activities that allow seniors to lead rich and satisfying lifestyles can nominate for the Active Ageing Leadership Award.


“Many seniors work selflessly for the benefit of their local communities and it is only fair they are recognised for these valuable contributions,” the Minister said.

 

Nomination forms are available by calling 6217 8400 or visiting the website http://www.seniorscard.wa.gov.au

 

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, July 31.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 8950
Date: 5/06/2009
Minister: McSweeney
Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Fri, 05 Jun 2009 05:42:55 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=132003 Pensioners should ignore creative accounting http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131928 Content:

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney has dismissed scaremongering claims by Opposition spokesperson Sue Ellery that Western Australian seniors face a decrease in the value of available utility concessions.

 

The incorrect claims by the Opposition follow the successful roll-out of key Liberal-National Government seniors’ entitlements in recent months.

 

“I take affront the Opposition is once again taking steps to mislead WA seniors. This Government has moved quickly to deliver financial support for this sector of the community when they need it most to meet their own financial challenges,” Mrs McSweeney said.

 

“This includes delivering the Cost of Living Rebate, Free Transport for Seniors and the Country Fuel Card, all of which are new measures under this Government and have been received positively by WA seniors.

 

“The truth is, the total rebates and concessions offered to WA seniors is higher under the Liberal-National Government’s first Budget than in the former government’s 2008-09 Budget.

 

“In 2008-09, funding allocated by the Opposition in the Budget for rebates for energy supply to disadvantaged customers was $45.619million as compared to $53.149million in 2009-10 under this Government.

 

The Minister said in addition to the delivery of the key seniors’ measures, Western Australian Seniors Card holders in 2009-10 would again receive an annual rebate of about $100 for singles and $150 for couples and a rebate of $200 per household toward the installation or purchase of home security devices.

 

“The delivery of these measures in 2009-10 alone totals $31.1million,” she said.

 

“I can assure eligible seniors card holders they will continue to receive the full value of their utility concessions including water and electricity, and the creative accounting the Opposition has used to scare WA seniors into thinking their concessions will be cut holds no shred of truth.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 8950
Date: 25/05/2009
Minister: McSweeney
Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 26 May 2009 00:28:23 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131928 State Budget 2009-10 meets community expectations http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131847 Content:

Community Services, Seniors and Volunteering and Women’s Interests Minister Robyn McSweeney today confirmed funding would continue to deliver increased support services to Western Australian seniors and communities.

 

“The State Government made a number of election commitments to WA seniors that we will continue to deliver in 2009-10,” Mrs McSweeney said.

 

“$26.1million has been set aside in this year’s Budget to deliver election commitments related to the Cost of Living Rebate, with a further $5million in funding allocated for the roll-out of the Seniors’ Security Rebate next financial year.

 

“This Government will ensure WA seniors are looked after with a series of measures designed to lessen the financial burden.  The delivery of free public transport to WA Seniors Card holders has already helped ease this burden.

 

“Some tough decisions however have been made to reflect the one-off three per cent efficiency dividend, including new child care licensing fees for all WA centres to start on January 1, 2010.

 

“Currently child care is the only WA Government issued licence for which fees are not charged."

 

The Government is taking positive steps to help WA seniors meet the challenges that have arisen from increases to the cost of living.

 

WA Seniors Card holders will again receive an annual rebate of about $100 for singles and $150 for couples, totalling $26.1million in 2009-10.

 

The Government has also allocated $5million to provide a rebate of $200 per household for all WA Seniors Card holders towards the installation or purchase of home security devices.  This is due to commence in 2009-10.

 

WA Budget statements are available at http://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au/

 

Minister's office  - 9222 8950
Date: 14/05/2009
Minister: McSweeney
Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering;Women's Interests;Community Services
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Thu, 14 May 2009 07:33:30 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131847 Labor needs to get facts right on seniors' entitlements http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131798 Content:

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney said Labor needed to get their facts right after claims by Opposition spokesperson Sue Ellery today that the Government had broken an election commitment to deliver a seniors’ security rebate.

 

Under ‘A Better Deal for Seniors’, the Liberal-National Government outlined its plan to deliver a $200 per household rebate for all Western Australian Seniors Card holders in its first term, toward the installation or purchase of home security devices.

 

“I am dumbfounded the Opposition is unnecessarily alarming seniors in claiming the Government has broken an election commitment,” Mrs McSweeney said.

 

“$10million has been put aside to deliver this rebate in our first term and that’s exactly what we will do in the coming financial year.

 

“The former government did not provide any subsidy scheme for home security for seniors and with WA seniors on the end of some of the most violent assaults seen in Western Australia, this State Government is determined to deliver this rebate.”

 

The $200 security rebate would cover home security measures, including the purchase of security screens to alarm systems.

 

“I am proud this Government has done so much for our seniors in its first eight months of leadership, including delivering the Cost of Living Rebate, Free Transport for Seniors and the Country Fuel Card,” the Minister said.

 

“Seniors have a right to feel safe and secure in their own homes and this Government will be providing the financial assistance to be able to improve their safety.

 

“The security rebate forms part of an overall package of entitlements for seniors that have been received so positively by this sector of our community and the Opposition should stop discrediting this Government by creating unnecessary confusion.”

 

Minister's office: 9222 8950
Date: 7/05/2009
Minister: McSweeney
Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Kimberley;Mid West;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Peel;Pilbara;South Eastern Suburbs;South West;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Wheatbelt
]]> Arbouin, Shane Thu, 07 May 2009 04:04:48 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131798 Cost of living rebate rolls out to more than 168,000 seniors http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131755 Content:

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney announced that more than 168,000 Senior Card holders who returned error-free applications for their Cost of Living Rebate would have noticed payments in their bank accounts from early this week.

 

The delivered election commitment represented the biggest single roll-out of payments the State Government had ever conducted.

 

“The $100 rebate for single Seniors Card holders and $150 for couples who both have a Seniors Card is being paid progressively over the next few weeks. Seniors can check they have received the payment by looking for ‘DfC - Seniors Card Rebate 09’ in their bank account statement,” Mrs McSweeney said.

 

“Seniors Card holders whose applications had contained errors have also been written to in the last few weeks and asked to complete a new form. I urge these card holders to provide their correct details as soon as they can so their payments can be made by June 30.

 

Seniors had to qualify for a Seniors Card before March 31 to be eligible for this year’s payment. As part of the election commitment, the Minister said a payment would be paid annually to seniors for the term of the Government.

 

“The payment process is the first of its kind in Western Australia and a major undertaking for the State Government. I am pleased it is rolling out smoothly following some initial complications,” she said.

 

Mrs McSweeney said Seniors Card holders also received concessions on a range of State and local government fees and charges, plus discounts from many businesses.

 

Western Australia has more than 350,000 people aged over 60 and 270,000 of those hold a Seniors Card.

 

Minister's office  - 9222 8950
Date: 29/04/2009
Minister: McSweeney
Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering
Region: Northern Metro & Perth CBD;Eastern Metropolitan;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs;Kimberley;Gascoyne;Goldfields/Esperance;Great Southern;Mid West;Peel;Pilbara;South West;Wheatbelt
]]> Antartis, Jill Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:24:20 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131755 Rockingham senior wins trip on Indian Pacific http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131651 Content:

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Robyn McSweeney congratulated Marie Lewis as the winner of the recent WA Seniors Card Member Survey competition.

 

The WA Seniors Card Centre received more than 4,400 survey forms from card holders.

 

Mrs McSweeney presented Mrs Lewis, 73, of Rockingham, with her prize at the Seniors Card Centre - a trip for two on the Indian Pacific from Perth to Adelaide.

 

The feedback would be used to develop discounts and special offers suited to the current interests and needs of seniors.

 

“The survey showed that discounts on travel were most popular with seniors, followed by movies and theatre, clothing and dining out,” the Minister said.

 

“More than 500 businesses are featured in the current WA Seniors Card Discount Directory.

 

“It’s a valuable resource for Western Australian Seniors Card members because they receive many valuable discounts and concessions they would normally not take up because of the expense.”

 

Minister's office  - 9222 8950
Date: 7/04/2009
Minister: McSweeney
Portfolio: Seniors and Volunteering
Region: Eastern Metropolitan;Northern Metro & Perth CBD;South Eastern Suburbs;South Western Suburbs;Western Suburbs
]]> Antartis, Jill Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:45:23 GMT http://www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au/Lists/Statements/DispForm.aspx?ID=131651