Secretary for Labour & Welfare Matthew Cheung says it is time to take forward, in a pragmatic manner, issues on the community and economy, now that the dust has settled on political reform.
Mr Cheung told reporters today that the reform package may have been voted down, but it is not a time for recrimination, but for reconciliation and reconstruction.
That is why on June 26 the Government will put forward 11 important livelihood and economic development issues for the Legislative Council’s consideration, which aim to enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness and make the city a better place to live, he added.
Mr Cheung said the items include two-months’ of extra payments for the Old Age Living Allowance, Old Age Allowance, Disability Allowance and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance which involves additional spending of $5.5 billion, benefiting 1.2 million disadvantaged and grassroots citizens.
Setting up Hong Kong's largest integrated rehabilitation services centre in Siu Lam, Tuen Mun to provide 1,150 residential places for the mentally handicapped and physically disabled is another key item to be discussed.
Mr Cheung stressed that these projects represent a very important step forward by the Government in rebuilding relationships and moving ahead.
