Shadow Minister for Seniors visits Hills

The visit by the Shadow Minister for Seniors, Bronwyn Bishop MP, to Castle Hill was an important opportunity for local seniors to take their concerns directly to the Shadow Minister, said the Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke.

Mrs Bishop visited the Anglican Retirement Village at Castle Hill and also attended a forum and afternoon tea at the Harvey Lowe Pavilion at the Castle Hill Showground. More than 100 local seniors attended the forum and issues discussed with Mrs Bishop included pensions, superannuation, and increased charges and the cost of living.

“Bronwyn Bishop is deeply committed to helping seniors and I know she was greatly impressed with the feedback she received at Castle Hill,” Mr Hawke said.

“Seniors in the Hills share many of the concerns of seniors right around Australia, although there are some issues, such as local bus services, which particularly affect us here in the Hills.”

Mr Hawke said that he had been seeking to have Mrs Bishop visit the Hills to discuss local seniors concerns since her appointment to the Shadow Ministry by Opposition Leader Tony Abbott in December last year.

“Our seniors contribute so much to our local community. Without the volunteer work seniors undertake, the Hills would definitely be worse off.

“I wanted Mrs Bishop to hear first-hand not only the challenges our seniors face, but also their successes. I am sure the views of local Hills seniors will be of great value to her as she continues the Coalition’s development of new policy for seniors.”

Mr Hawke thanked all local residents who were able to attend the forum for their honest and sometimes direct comments about available Government services and programs and said he expected Mrs Bishop will visit the Hills again in the near future.