Aged care can wait no longer
Providers attending the 20th Annual Tri-State Conference in Albury New South Wales say the time to act is now.
“In its current form, the aged care industry cannot cope with the predicted peak of older Australians,” said Tri-State Conference spokesperson and chief executive officer of Aged & Community Care Victoria, Gerard Mansour.
The population of older Australians is expected to triple by 2050.
“Just one example of this includes information released by the Federal Department of Health and Ageing which says in the next 14 years the industry needs an investment of $17 billion for the construction of buildings to house our older Australians alone.”
Productivity Commissioner, Sue Macri, will today lead conference delegates through an overview of the Commission’s initial inquiry into aged care.
“The industry is on uncertain and unsustainable footings. As a cornerstone to the future sustainability of any system, those Australians who can afford to make a financial contribution to their frail years must do so, and Government must provide an appropriate safety net for those who cannot afford to do so,” said Mr Mansour.
“Similarly, our older Australians should have the choice of aged care they want, when and where they need it. If we don’t have a sustainable industry, older Australians can’t have the choice of the services they need.
“Never before has aged care been so important on the national stage. It is vital Government addresses the fundamental need for aged care reform and we look forward to tomorrow’s presentation from the Productivity Commission who will recommend to Government in coming months how this can best be achieved.
“The Productivity Commission’s inquiry into aged care presents Government with the opportunity to make a difference for our frail Australians. To not act on the Commission’s recommendations would be dire for the industry and the aged.
“The industry wants a definitive investment in long term reform to ensure the future care of older Australians.”
The conference also hosted Australia’s longest serving judge, Michael Kirby, who spoke out, calling for the voices of older Australians to be heard.
