Ageing population demands action

The lack of interest in caring for older Australians by the Rudd Labor Government is further evidenced by the refusal of the Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, to respond to the national Health and Hospitals Reform Commission interim report.

 

“Minister Elliot’s refusal to provide a comprehensive response to recommendations made in the report shows that the Rudd  government simply doesn’t care about Australia’s aged and frail,” said Federal Greenway MP, Louise Markus.

 

“The recommendations of the report are aimed at addressing key issues challenging older Australians – such as bed shortages and waiting lists.

Mrs Markus said it is crucial that the Rudd government address these concerns, as the aged care sector is in crisis.

 

“At a time when the number of Australians aged 65 and over is set to explode, an under-subscription of beds – leading to more bed shortages and longer waiting lists – is a disaster for Australians in need of aged care,” Mrs Markus said.

 

“In Greenway, there are just over 10,000 persons aged 65 and over. By 2020 this figure is estimated to grow to nearly 15,000 and increase to over 20,000 by 2035.

 

“Minister Elliot must stop ignoring the need for drastic reform to the current funding mechanism in order to provide an appropriate level of care for the significant increase in persons aged over 65 in Greenway.

“The 2008 Grant Thornton Survey found that 40 per cent of Aged Care homes are currently operating in the red.

 

“Minister Elliot needs to urgently address critical funding shortages to reduce waiting lists and deliver nursing homes the financial security they need to prepare for Australia’s ageing population.

 

“Residents in greenway deserve certainty in order to plan for the future,” Mrs Markus concluded. – ?

 

 

Updated: 2009-04-09 — 23:56:55