Albanese outlines aged care sector reform
Andrew Brown |
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has used his budget reply speech to outline a multi-billion dollar overhaul to Australia’s aged care sector should Labor form government.
In an address just days out from the start of the formal election campaign, the Labor leader made the case for a change of government when Australians go to the poll.
Mr Albanese promised Labor would require every aged care facility to have a registered nurse on site 24 hours a day, along with new minimum care mandates for every resident.
It was part of a $2.5 billion, five-point pledge, to improve the sector and the treatment of residents.
“Our older Australians aren’t just a number, they aren’t a burden, they are people who deserve respect, courtesy and the best possible attention,” Mr Albanese told parliament on Thursday night.
“We will bring the principle of universal, affordable and quality service … to aged care.”
The mandate would require that each aged care resident receive a minimum of 215 minutes of care per day, following royal commission recommendations.
A future Labor government would also support a wage rise for aged care workers, as well as work with the sector to institute new mandatory food standards in residential facilities.
Mr Albanese pledged to work with multicultural communities to support culturally appropriate care, and give the aged care safety commissioner new powers.
“We will make residential care providers report, in public and in detail, what they are spending money on,” he said.
“The days of residents going without decent food and clean clothes will come to an end.”
Aged care workers welcomed the announcement from the Labor leader, with national president of the Health Services Union, Gerard Hayes, saying the wage increase pledge was a commitment breakthrough.
“Aged care workers had their hearts broken by the Prime Minister on Tuesday. But tonight they have hope,” he said.
“For too long aged care workers have risked poverty or homelessness just so they can do their job and care for the elderly.”
Federal secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Annie Butler, said the minimum care requirement would bring hope to the sector.
“After years of inaction, we may finally have a plan to fix the core problems underlining the crisis in aged care,” she said.
“Tonight, we have just heard promise of a government that, if elected, might actually take the genuine action needed.”
The government handed down its federal budget on Tuesday, and Mr Albanese used his reply to attack the economic plan as solely an attempt to get the coalition back in power.
“(This is) a budget for the next six weeks, when we need a plan for the next six years. The problem for this prime minister is that the Australian people have figured him out,” he said.
“It was clear enough on Tuesday night that the Liberal and National parties think this budget will be enough to get them through the next election. The only jobs they are concerned about is their own.”
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is expected to call the election in a matter of days, with the poll to be held in mid-May.
Earlier on Thursday, Mr Morrison challenged the opposition leader to use his reply speech to outline an alternative budget.
Mr Albanese used his reply to set the stage for the election campaign.
“This agenda isn’t radical. My team and I are promising renewal, not revolution,” he said.
“I want the sacrifices all of you have made through these tough times to lead to a better future.
“We’ve been through a tough couple of years, but I know our best days can be ahead of us.”
AAP
