SHAME!

I remember a time when pensioners were respected for the contribution we’d made to this country and were well treated and looked after. But in today’s society, who cares? As a holder of a pensioner card, I know there’s no votes in pensioner care, provision of decent accommodation for us. In fact, as far as Sydney is concerned, we’re just an embarrassment to be swept under the carpet and forgotten. But just because we’re old, why are we treated as stupid and unemployable?

Let me give you an example of a friend of mine. She is sixty six, intelligent and articulate. She has her own small interior design business. Over the past few years, she has experienced two brain tumours, thankfully benign and treatment for breast cancer, ultimate prognosis as yet unconfirmed. As a result, her mobility is impaired, being partially paralysed on one side of her body.

Earlier this year, she was parking her car in the city, when a car drove into the back of hers. The incident was sufficiently serious to call the police. In retrospect, this was probably a mistake and should have been sorted out by the two parties.

In the opinion of the attending police person, my friend, in light of her age as revealed on her driver’s licence, should take another driving test. The basis for this was that she was past retirement age. As a result, instead of this being organized, the Roads and Traffic Authority, (yes, our beloved RTA) cancelled her licence without further reference to her or the police authorities.

As a result, she had to apply for a learner permit and it was extremely difficult for her to find anyone to accompany her when driving. She failed two subsequent driving tests as being a driver of more than thirty years experience, made minor decisions which improved safety, but did not suit the RTA driving instructors. In my view, she was victimized because of her age alone.

As a result, she is unable to conduct her own business, as a car is essential to this, neither can she accept commissions from other suppliers for the same reason. In addition, without a car, it is very difficult for her to get around by public transport or walking, because of her disabilities. Buses are a problem, even with the “leaning” variety, and she finds it difficult to navigate the gap between platform and carriage on the train system. And obviously, her ability to shop is very constrained indeed.

Therefore, he inability to travel to business commissions, or obtain another position which requires a car, she is forced into a Centrelink Disability pension. So this woman, who really has done nothing illegal, is victimized, purely on her age, by the police and transport authorities. She is now a burden, rather than a contributor to society.

There is no fairness in our society towards older people with the guts to keep working. As far as the authorities are concerned, she is just someone who fell through the cracks in the myriad of legislation endemic in this state. I am not a New South Welshman fortunately. I come from a State where we respect people like my friend for the contribution they make and not being disregarded like an old boot!

Shame on all of you; the NSW Government who allows the RTA to continue to exist, to the police, who regard her as a nuisance and to the population who don’t care a stuff, as they’re all too self-centred as a result of living in this state.

A pox on the lot of you.