It is time for the Gillard Government to respond to their Productivity Commission Report into Caring for Older Australians.
In Senate question time today Shadow Minister for Ageing and Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells asked: “How much longer will older Australians be forced to wait to get the Government’s response to the 58 recommendations contained within the Productivity Commission report?” No proper response was given.
“Under this government there have been no less than three Productivity Commission reports and some twenty reviews and inquiries.”
“Given that the National Aged Care Alliance launched its Blue Print for Aged Care today and the sector is in crisis, how can the Government justify further delay?” she asked. Again, no proper response from the Gillard Government.
During the 2010 election campaign, Prime Minister Gillard said, “If re-elected, further aged care reform will be a second term priority for my government”. The then Health Minister Roxon added, "We will respond quickly to the commission's recommendations.”
“Given that it has now been 18 months since the last election, it is now time for this Labor Government to act,” said Senator Fierravanti-Wells.
"Why can't the Gillard Government tell older Australians, their families and carers when urgently needed reform will start, or will this end up being yet another broken promise from Julia Gillard?”