FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CUTTING AGED CARE BEDS AFFECTS LOCAL SENIORS
The Member for Berowra, Philip Ruddock MP has said that the Rudd Government has cut almost 2000 new residential aged care places in the past year.
“The decision by the Federal government to cut almost 2000 new bed licences nationally is really serious and I have held talks with local aged care providers who have shown their concerns,” Mr Ruddock said today.
“We have more Senior Australians needing a bed than ever before and far too many locals are already travelling quite some distance from where they have resided to the nearest vacant aged care bed.
“The Federal government needs to get out and meet with senior Australians, meet with aged care providers and their staff to learn of the difficulties facing the sector.
“Our population is ageing rapidly and we need to ensure that the challenges of tomorrow are met an senior Australians deserve a flexible, sustainable and world-class aged care sector and it is clear that Minister Elliot is not up to getting the job done,” Philip Ruddock said.