As Minister O’Rourke settles into her new role as Minister for Disability Services, Minister for Seniors and Minister Assisting the Premier on North Queensland, we took to the opportunity to ask her a few questions.
Q: How will you make ageing a priority in Queensland?
A: My role as a dedicated Minister for Seniors is to be the voice of seniors at Cabinet and ensure that their interests are considered in major decisions. I’m also here to listen, which is what the previous Newman Government got so wrong. I have expert advice from knowledgeable departmental advisors and I’ll also be listening to seniors and their representatives, as I have been listening to them in my own community. I have a personal interest and experience in the issues for seniors, as my own parents are now in their mid-70s.
Q: As the first Minister for Seniors and an active member in your community where does your passion come from?
A: At my heart, I am someone who wants to look after people. That is really important to me. I became involved in campaigning for professionalism and better conditions for people in the early childhood industry. From listening to people’s concerns during this campaign, and as an early childhood centre director talking to families, I came to realise that there was more to be done, which is why I stood for Parliament.
Q: Will the government be maintaining senior and pensioner concessions in 2015-16 in spite of Federal Government cuts?
I have spoken to my colleague Treasurer Curtis Pitt and he assures me that he will maintain funding for these concessions. I know that seniors are deeply concerned about the costs of living, which is why we won’t be selling assets. Seniors should not forget that the Newman Government chose not to fund the gap until seniors advocates and the-then Labor Opposition pressured them into a backflip.
Q: What are your first priorities for North Queensland?
A: My focus will be on working with my Cabinet colleagues to delivering on our election commitments to north Queensland. At the core is creating jobs – without selling our assets. We will pay down government debt and maintain competitive tax rates that are good for business and create jobs. We will provide four focussed development funds for local governments to develop infrastructure and create jobs.
Q: Will older drivers still be required to obtain a medical certificate each year after they turn 75 years?
A: The Government has no plans to change the requirement for older drivers to obtain a medical certificate each year after they turn 75.
