Ageing population demands action
3rd March, 2009
The Rudd Labor Government’s failure to respond to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission interim report demonstrates the low priority Labor is giving to the care of older Australians, Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss said today.“Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot, has refused to provide a response to the recommendations made in the report, which the Government itself commissioned,” Mr Truss said.
The recommendations address key issues confronting the aged care sector, including bed shortages and waiting lists, as well as support for the sector’s ongoing financial viability.
“Aged care faces many serious challenges and the Rudd Government should be doing more to resolve these concerns.”
The 2008/09 Aged Care Approvals Round is now six months behind schedule and in some states there have not been enough applications to build all the places being made available.
“The number of Australians aged 65 is increasing, yet an under subscription of beds should be ringing alarm bells for the Government that local communities are to experience more bed shortages and longer waiting lists,” Mr Truss said.
“In Wide Bay, there are approximately 20,353 persons aged 65 and over. By 2020 this figure is estimated to grow to 33,379 and increase to 52,104 by 2035.
“Minister Elliot must take swift action to reform the current funding mechanism to provide an appropriate level of care for the significant increase in people aged over 65 in Wide Bay.”
The 2008 Grant Thornton Aged Care Survey found that 40% of Aged Care Homes have recorded financial losses.
“Minister Elliot needs to reduce waiting lists by addressing the critical funding shortages. The Government has a responsibility to assist nursing homes achieve financial security so they can prepare for Australia’s ageing population.”
