The Senate Community Affairs Committee is holding a public inquiry into proposed aged care reforms.
Five years ago the federal Labor Government promised to reform the aged care sector. This is another broken promise from a Government that has shown little interest or compassion when dealing with older Australians living in regional Victoria.
After a staggering 20 reviews and three Productivity Commission reports, the Government has responded with a package of Bills that fail to address the bulk of the Productivity Commission report’s key recommendations.
The aged care reforms will add more financial pressure and more red tape to an industry already weighed down by regulatory burdens.
Senator McKenzie said there is growing evidence that the aged care sector in regional Victoria will be worse off if these Bills are passed.
A submission to the inquiry from John Gerrard, the CEO of Glengollan Village, a not for profit aged care facility in Victoria said the reforms would be devastating. “The reforms are a threat to us, and rather than reform the industry for the better, it looks set to destroy it. It is extremely disappointing that the Government, with all its resources, considers this is the best solution for aged care,” Mr Gerrard said.
“Aged care facilities play an important part in the economic environment of rural and regional towns. It is unacceptable that they would be forced to close due to bad government policy,” Senator McKenzie said.
“If elected, the Coalition will seek to work in partnership with the ageing and aged care sector to achieve sustainable reforms. We will ensure that the comfort and safety of older Australians living in regional areas is not compromised,” Senator McKenzie said.
The Senate Community Affairs Committee will table their findings on June 17.