5 years ago
LIBERALS FAIL CARE OF OLDER AUSTRALIANS
HON JULIE COLLINS MP
The Liberal Government did not ensure one unannounced visit to monitor nursing home standards occurred after hours prior to the Royal Commission into aged care being called.
The damning revelation underscores just how much the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has taken its eye off the ball when it comes to the care of older Australians.
This is despite significant media reporting highlighting the unacceptable treatment of older Australians after hours in residential aged care.
Out of thousands of unannounced visits, there were none made outside business hours and only 10 that began on a weekend or public holiday.
It is more inaction from a Government that didn’t act on recommendations to better regulate the use of chemical and physical restraints for two years and is still sitting on a dozen reports and reviews into aged care.
Over the past five years under the Liberals there has been little action from three Prime Ministers and three Aged Care Ministers.
When Bill Shorten said the aged care system was in crisis in May last year, the Government likened it to committing elder abuse.
Older Australians in residential care and their loved ones deserve to know what is really happening and this is only possible with checks taking place at all hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Scott Morrison and the Liberals must do better to ensure older Australians get the quality aged care services they need.
The damning revelation underscores just how much the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Government has taken its eye off the ball when it comes to the care of older Australians.
This is despite significant media reporting highlighting the unacceptable treatment of older Australians after hours in residential aged care.
Out of thousands of unannounced visits, there were none made outside business hours and only 10 that began on a weekend or public holiday.
It is more inaction from a Government that didn’t act on recommendations to better regulate the use of chemical and physical restraints for two years and is still sitting on a dozen reports and reviews into aged care.
Over the past five years under the Liberals there has been little action from three Prime Ministers and three Aged Care Ministers.
When Bill Shorten said the aged care system was in crisis in May last year, the Government likened it to committing elder abuse.
Older Australians in residential care and their loved ones deserve to know what is really happening and this is only possible with checks taking place at all hours including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Scott Morrison and the Liberals must do better to ensure older Australians get the quality aged care services they need.