AGEING POPULATION DEMANDS ACTION
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP said today that the refusal from the Federal Government’s Minister for Ageing, to respond to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission interim report (the Report) further highlights the Rudd government’s lack of interest in caring for older Australians.
“The Government’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 Australia’s aged and frail,” Mr Ruddock said.
“In Berowra there are around 15,222 persons aged 65 and over. By 2020 this figure is estimated to grow to 21,920 and increase to 30,292 by 2035. Residents of in my electorate of Berowra deserve certainty in order to plan for the future.
“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 2008/09 Aged Care Approvals Round, now six months behind schedule, saw an under subscription in bed applications from Hobart to Perth.
“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. The aged care sector is in crisis and it is high time the Rudd government started addressing these concerns,” Philip Ruddock concluded.