Mr HATTON - 1999-04-22
Information technology, particularly the Internet, seems to be largely used by younger people. However, I understand there is a significant utilisation of information technology by seniors. Can the minister advise whether any initiatives are in place to encourage older citizens to get on the Net?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, obviously, along with our government’s aim of ensuring that senior Territorians get the best deal and best lifestyle of any senior Australians, I am very pleased to be able to say that we have activity in place to encourage senior Territorians to take on the activities many younger Territorians are involved in, and that’s the use of the Internet.
Staff at the Northern Territory Library Services have been providing opportunities for our senior citizens to learn all about the Net. They went through a consulting process with the Council of the Ageing and the University of the Third Age, and realised what was required to provide the information and training about using the Internet. Our library established a twice-weekly course, called Seniors on the Net, which is free Internet training sessions for people over the age of 60. The course runs for the entire year and it certainly celebrates the International Year of Older Persons.
Primarily, they’re learning not to be afraid of surfing the Net, they’re getting the low-down on icon search engines, book-marking sites and how to navigate their way around the World Wide Web. I know the minister for lands’ mum and dad were involved the other day in the activity over in the Library, and it’s certainly generated a lot of interest, and they’re indicative of many senior Territorians. They’re embracing the technology. The course has been booked out for the entire of this month, and there’s solid bookings for the next few months.
So, I want to congratulate staff involved at the library services, and also congratulate senior Territorians for taking the opportunities that this government is providing to ensure that their quality of life is unmatched anywhere in Australia.
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, obviously, along with our government’s aim of ensuring that senior Territorians get the best deal and best lifestyle of any senior Australians, I am very pleased to be able to say that we have activity in place to encourage senior Territorians to take on the activities many younger Territorians are involved in, and that’s the use of the Internet.
Staff at the Northern Territory Library Services have been providing opportunities for our senior citizens to learn all about the Net. They went through a consulting process with the Council of the Ageing and the University of the Third Age, and realised what was required to provide the information and training about using the Internet. Our library established a twice-weekly course, called Seniors on the Net, which is free Internet training sessions for people over the age of 60. The course runs for the entire year and it certainly celebrates the International Year of Older Persons.
Primarily, they’re learning not to be afraid of surfing the Net, they’re getting the low-down on icon search engines, book-marking sites and how to navigate their way around the World Wide Web. I know the minister for lands’ mum and dad were involved the other day in the activity over in the Library, and it’s certainly generated a lot of interest, and they’re indicative of many senior Territorians. They’re embracing the technology. The course has been booked out for the entire of this month, and there’s solid bookings for the next few months.
So, I want to congratulate staff involved at the library services, and also congratulate senior Territorians for taking the opportunities that this government is providing to ensure that their quality of life is unmatched anywhere in Australia.
Last updated: 09 Aug 2016