GOVERNMENT MUST PROVIDE SUPPORT

The Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government must considerproviding funding for additional counselling and trauma services for Australians in the lead up to and during the Royal Commission into Aged Care.

 

Many of the families who will be brave enough to convey their personal experiences as part of the Royal Commission will do so with great anxiety and distress.

 

Labor has written to the Prime Minister and Minister for Aged Care calling on the Government to consider supportfor additional counselling and trauma services.

 

Given the seriousness of the issues that will be raised during the Royal Commission, providing this additional support is the right thing to do for Australians who re-tell their stories.

 

We know the experiences of some Australians have been harrowing and disturbing.

 

Labor MPs and Senators have been contacted by a large number of constituents with deeply concerning stories about the ill-treatment of loved ones in aged care.

 

Recent data from the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner revealed there were 5,779 complaints about aged care services in just 12 months last financial year – an increase of 23% on the previous year.

 

These figures underscore the depth of community concern and the importance of getting this Royal Commission right.

 

Previous Royal Commissions have included specific additional funding for support services that assist people telling their stories.

 

Labor is prepared to work with the Government to ensure Australians who tell their story get the support they need.

 

We should judge ourselves as a nation by how we treat our elderly.

We can’t call ourselves a fair and generous country until we give elderly Australians the love, care and respect that they deserve.