Aged care an unintended carbon loser

Victoria’s multi-billion dollar aged and community care sector again seems to be ignored under the Federal Government’s new carbon tax system, according to Aged and Community Care Victoria chief executive officer, Gerard Mansour.

He has  expressed concerns about Professor Ross Garnaut’s supplementary draft report, saying that while it was most important the report called for compensation for families, it ignored the aged care industry. Economic modeling has shown emissions trading could drive up community sector costs by $1.1 billion.

“Few in the community would appreciate or understand its the Federal Government who controls funding levels and allocates places and the industry is unable to independently increase fees,” Mr Mansour said.

“We call on the Federal Government to protect the aged and community care industry – which has no capacity to absorb any more costs. It appears the needs of the vitally important aged care industry are being overlooked.”

Economic modeling suggested power prices would be pushed up by 16%, gas by 9% and the cost of living by about 1%.

“While our industry is committed to protecting our frail elderly, the carbon tax will have a massive impact on aged care providers who are among the biggest users of power and water in Australia,” Mr Mansour said.

“Our industry continues to act responsibly by implementing many energy and water saving initiatives; we are unable to bear the massive impact of carbon trading costs.”