Despite 674 older Australians tragically passing away from COVID-19, the Budget confirms the Morrison Government still has no plan to fix our country’s broken aged care system.
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann said the Morrison Government has failed every single older Australian in aged care by not acting.
“While most of those deaths occurred in Victorian aged care homes, local residents have been quarantined and unable to see family and loved ones for months,” Mr Neumann said.
“Given the shocking number of deaths, it is beyond comprehension why Scott Morrison has provided no significant new funding for aged care.
“The problems in aged care have not been addressed in this Budget.”
Mr Neumann said more than 103,000 older Australians have been languishing on a waiting list for their home care package, while more than 32,000 have had to enter residential aged prematurely while waiting for home care packages.
“The home care packages announced by the Morrison Government won’t come close to meeting demand or addressing the significant concerns of the Aged Care Royal Commission.
“The Government’s announcement of 23,000 ‘additional’ packages does not come close to meeting the needs. More older Australians died than this while waiting for care in the last three years alone.”
Mr Neumann said there has been no response to the workforce shortages or infection control failures in aged care.
“We know the aged care sector needs more aged care workers, more nurses and better pay.
“As a result of these failures we have heard horror stories of residents being neglected, left in soiled clothing without food or proper hydration, experiencing acts of violence and sexual assault.
“It is a national disgrace.
“The Aged Care Royal Commission has provided mounting evidence that the Government needs to take more responsibility.
“All we have received from Scott Morrison is headline-seeking announcements, and eye-watering debt that neglects older Australians.
“The Morrison Government continues to run away, pass the buck and refuse to take responsibility for its failures.
“Neglect. That’s the legacy of this Government when it comes to aged care.”
