The Productivity Commission has delivered its draft report Caring for Older Australians removing the Gillard Government’s excuses for delaying aged care reform. This is the year of decision and delivery and Australians will be looking to Labor to finally deliver on real reform.
Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Shadow Minister for Ageing, said the Productivity Commission’s finding that Australia’s aged care system needs a major overhaul is welcomed.
“The Coalition acknowledged in its Ageing election policy that there are around 3,000 patients in public hospitals every night who should be in an aged care facility. We have been calling for major reform and are pleased that the Productivity Commission's report echoes this call,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.
“The Coalition welcomes the comprehensive analysis of the sector that the Productivity Commission has delivered. The sector was an enthusiastic participant in this inquiry which received nearly 500 submissions, many of which reflected the need for reform.
“The Coalition is committed to improving the aged care sector and took a policy to the last election outlining its proposals to provide certainty of care through a four-year agreement with the sector. The Coalition's policy provided a framework for reform in partnership with the sector to ensure a high standard of quality care and less red tape. The Coalition has been pleased with the sector's ongoing support of our policy.
"As part of that agreement, the Coalition also outlined a framework where Government and the aged care sector would together to consider the recommendations of the Productivity Commission.
“Unfortunately the lateness of a key submission – from the Department of Health and Ageing – meant the reporting dates have been put back and the final report is now not due until the end of June 2011.
“However, the release of this draft report means the Labor Government can no longer hide behind any excuses. It has the blueprint it needs for reform. All it needs to do now is have the stomach to act on it and not ignore it like it has ignored the many other comprehensive reports and reviews since 2007.
"The Coalition will be considering all the recommendations in detail."