OLDER AUSTRALIANS NEGLECTED BY RUDD GOVERNMENT
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that older Australians cannot afford to have a government that is not working in the best interests of older Australians.
“The Rudd Government has been in office for more than four months now and during this time, I have been dismayed at its complete indifference to the welfare of older constituents in my electorate.
“Australia is facing considerable challenges with its ageing population and the increasing pressures the aged care sector is under and the “performance” of the Rudd government has many in the industry worried about aged care’s future.
“Rather than instilling confidence, the Federal Minister’s rhetoric and actions are creating anxiety and apprehension in the community.
“For example, the leaked report over the Easter holiday period on the operation of the Office of Aged Care Quality and Compliance has left the industry reeling.
“The media coverage of that report was scathing and newspapers carried headlines that stated “aged care abuse triples”, “battered image of aged care”, “abuse in nursing homes soars”.
“Anyone reading the headlines would have been appalled, particularly if you were a resident in an aged care facility or you had a family member residing in one.
“It’s obvious that older Australians don’t count under the Rudd Government’s watch,” Philip Ruddock said.