Grants for Seniors

Ms COOK (Fisher) (14:30): My question is for the Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion. Can the minister inform the house about the state government's commitment to create an all-ages friendly community?

The Hon. Z.L. BETTISON (Ramsay—Minister for Communities and Social Inclusion, Minister for Social Housing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers) (14:30): Australian Bureau of Statistics projections indicate over coming decades that the proportion of South Australia's older residents will grow faster than in any other state in the country. By 2036, our state's population will increase to just over two million. The ABS projects that the number of people aged 50 years and over will increase from 590,000 today to almost 824,000, while the number of people aged 65 years and over will increase from 267,000 to more than 472,000.

As our ageing population increases it must be a greater priority for the state government to accommodate the needs of older South Australians. It is for this very reason that the state government's ageing plan, Prosperity through Longevity, has identified three areas of priority: health, wellbeing and security, and social and economic participation. The Grants for Seniors program facilitates these priorities. The program allows eligible organisations to apply for funding of up to $5,000 towards the delivery of programs that increase social participation, independence and the wellbeing of older South Australians.

Round 2 of the Grants for Seniors program closed on 27 February and a total of 166 applications were received by the Office for the Ageing. The applicants were assessed by an independent panel against their ability to meet the eligibility criteria and deliver a program that promotes the inclusion and contribution of older people in all areas of community life. I am pleased to advise the house that a total amount of $76,433 was awarded to 32 successful applicants upon the recommendation of the panel. The applicants outlined a strong focus on social inclusion for seniors who live in metropolitan as well as regional communities. The Reserve's Lifestyle Village residents, along with the Seniors Information Centre and the 50+ Activity Club are amongst the 32 successful applicants that received funding under the Grants for Seniors program.

The government recognises that our whole community needs to work together to build an all-ages friendly state. We are committed to working alongside and providing support to community organisations that empower seniors as vital drivers of our social infrastructure and provide them with greater opportunities for informed decision-making.

South Australians can now look forward to more years of life than people could expect in previous eras. I think members of this house will agree that all people should be able to enjoy high levels of wellbeing, self-esteem and self protection through all stages of life. While the state government recognises the challenges presented by an ageing demographic, we also recognise that this is great opportunity to increase active participation of seniors. The state government will continue to take the lead in creating opportunities for more productive communication and links between generations.

The SPEAKER: For the information for the member for Morialta, at the halfway mark of question time, the opposition has had 23 questions and the government three. The member for Unley.