Budget may grow population, but focus needed on long-time Territorians now

8 May 2018

Chasing the money!

The budget has come and gone. It is interesting to see the comments in relation to the 2018/19 Territory Budget. There were no funding cuts to social services which is a good result. This sector plays an important role in providing services to Territorians.

One of the most important factors is to increase and retain our population growth. The incentives to attract new workers in Territory government jobs such as the ‘Our Life Out Here’ campaign and recent nursing recruitment drives are to be applauded. Hopefully new arrivals will choose to become permanent Territorians. Obviously, the increase in debt is a concern. However, keeping current services operating efficiently and making good on the promise to have underground power is part of this major debt.

However, there wasn’t really any good news for seniors. If we want to retain this valuable resource, the Territory government must ensure that all facets of their core business such as affordable housing, law and order, education and one of the most important ones, health care and appropriate facilities are available, especially as we age. If these core services are not functioning, what is the point of trying to attract or retain people to the Territory long-term?

It shouldn’t be much longer until the new website, information and forms regarding the new NT Concession Scheme and the NT Seniors Recognition Scheme are available.  Territory Families are working extremely hard to get this information right and into the public arena. COTA NT is still being inundated with seniors who are not quite sure of their entitlements regarding these schemes. COTA NT will be hosting information sessions presented by Territory Families shortly on both schemes.

Our movie fundraiser on Mothering Sunday is raising funds for teleconferencing equipment helping COTA representatives to avoid future travel and accommodation expenses. Tickets from the Deckchair Cinema, plus raffle on the night for a stunning Paspaley pearl pendant!

GET YOUR TICKETS by clicking the link (shown in orange)

~ Sue Shearer, CEO COTA NT

Tags: Seniors Voice