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| 2006 Regional Community Forum Greater Brisbane Ministerial Regional Community Forum By Maida Lilley The second forum for 2006 was held at Redcliffe. The first took place at Dunwich and the next one will be at Mt Omaney, so the public has the opportunity for input across a wide geographical area. However, except for one hour there was no allowance for input from the public – a long way to go just to be talked at. The hour was devoted to enabling members of the community to put matters of concern to the appointed members of the Ministerial Regional Forum and/or to senior officers from the Department of Communities. OPSO was invited to support a group from the Polio Association of Australia which now represents all those with neurological problems. They are advocating for a “one stop” clinic where the needed range of clinicians would be available for the large group of sufferers in need of regular medical and allied health care. The related matter of who should decide on the granting of disability parking permits and in which circumstances blue rather than red permits are appropriate was raised. From 10.30am to 1.10pm presentations were made by the politicians present and some forum members. The Attorney-General, Linda Lavarch MP, Ms Bonney Barry MP and Mrs Jo-Ann Miller MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health, were present.Topics covered included:
Ms Bonny Barry MP, Acting Regional Queensland Council Member, summed up the Forum, which was closed by the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, Linda Lavarch MP. This overcrowded and lengthy session was difficult for many older and disabled people attending. |
