{
  "id": 19695917,
  "title": "Advocates praise Qld government changes to service access",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/12/advocates-praise-qld-government-changes-to-service-access",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-12T19:34:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-13/qld-seniors-cards-services-app/107372120"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Queensland government has announced plans to digitise senior services cards, allowing card holders to add their card to the Service Queensland app while retaining the physical card. Advocates for older Australians have praised the move, emphasizing the importance of flexibility and the option to keep a physical card. Under the new changes, seniors, carers, and companion card holders will be able to digitise their cards and store them alongside their digital driver licence and other credentials on the Service Queensland app. Minister for Customer Services Steve Minnikin stated that the move aims to give older Queenslanders greater choice and access. Amanda Stoker, Minister for Families, Seniors, and Disability Services, added that the new optional digital cards would make it easier for eligible Queenslanders to access important credentials. The Crisafulli government is delivering better access to government services for Queenslanders, whether in person, over-the-phone, or online. National Seniors Australia CEO Chris Grice highlighted the significance of the flexibility in the new services plan, acknowledging that older Australians with digital skills are comfortable using digital cards, but physical cards and in-person services remain crucial for safety and validation purposes. The government has also announced the delivery of a service centre on wheels to provide government services in regional communities, particularly in north and Far North Queensland. This initiative aims to make accessing services more consistent and responsive to the needs of communities affected by natural disasters.",
  "summary": "The state government has announced it will add seniors, carers and companion cards to the new Service Queensland app, sparking concerns about increased digitisation.",
  "key_points": [
    "Queensland government plans to digitize senior services cards",
    "Advocates praise flexibility and option to keep physical cards",
    "New digital cards aim to improve access to government services"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}