Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Third Session (51-3)
2009-05-13 Daily Xml

Contents

SENIORS CARD

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS (15:14): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Leader of the Government a question about unnecessary red tape and repetition for seniors card holders.

Leave granted.

The Hon. T.J. STEPHENS: Members would be aware that seniors card holders are eligible for a reduction on council rates and a rebate on the emergency services levy. Application for such a reduction must be made annually. Separate applications have to be made to each concession, rather than dealing with both at the same time, even though it would seem that those eligible for one are eligible for both.

The applications go to different departments: Revenue SA's Property Services, and Concessions and Anti-poverty Services of the Department for Families and Communities. Why can't there be one application for both concessions, thus saving time and effort for both the applicant and the government?

The Hon. P. HOLLOWAY (Minister for Mineral Resources Development, Minister for Urban Development and Planning, Minister for Small Business) (15:15): The government is well aware of issues in relation to streamlining procedures. My colleague the Minister for Consumer Affairs informs me that some work is being done, but I will refer that question to my colleague in another place and bring back a response.