Ageing population demands action: Sophie
25-February-2009
The refusal from Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot, to respond to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission interim report further highlights the Rudd Government’s lack of interest in caring for older Australians, Federal Liberal Member for Indi Sophie Mirabella MP said today.
Minister Elliot’s refusal to provide a comprehensive response to recommendations made in the government commissioned National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission interim report is further evidence that the Rudd government simply does not care about the North East’s aged and frail,” Mrs Mirabella said today.
“The recommendations of the Report are aimed at addressing key issues challenging older Australians such as bed shortages, waiting lists as well as making the aged care sector financially viable.
“The aged care sector is in crisis and it is high time the Rudd government started addressing these concerns,” Mrs Mirabella said.
“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 Mirabella said.
“In Indi there are around 19,827 persons aged 65 and over. By 2020 this figure is estimated to grow to 28,947 and increase to 41,637 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 the North East.”
“The 2008 Grant Thornton Survey found that 40% 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 the North East are my biggest concern and deserve certainty in order to plan for the future,” Mrs Mirabella said.