Hinch’s opinion on ageing
Outspoken radio host and former jailbird, Derryn Hinch, says every government speech made by Prime Minister Julia Gillard is laced with the words “working families” and neglects those that really matter – older Australians. Mr Hinch’s come from calls for the government to respond to the PC report.
Outspoken radio host and former jailbird, Derryn Hinch, says every government speech made by Prime Minister Julia Gillard is laced with the words “working families” and neglects those that really matter – older Australians.
Mr Hinch spoke on Fairfax Radio Network 3AW last week following the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) warnings for the government to respond to the Productivity Commission’s report into Caring for Older Australians, released last August.
“I read several reports which give an ominous, but sadly not unexpected, glimpse into our future. They concern reaching their twilight years in the next 40 years… and things don’t look good,” he said.
According to Mr Hinch, the system was not “equipped” to handle the more than 3.5 million older Australians who will need health and aged care in the coming years.
He said “dramatic” changes needed to be made, but the sector – including the RACP – should not “hold their breath”.
“It’s as if Australians who have passed working age don’t exist – even though they paid taxes for 40 or 50 years.”
Taking a ‘stab’ at politics, Mr Hinch said: “I often say politicians behave like they will never grow old. The only difference between old people and us is they go there first.”
Mr Hinch agreed with Professor John Kolbe, who is the president of RACP, in “timely” specialist medical care – particularly for those residing in residential aged care facilities.
Another issue he spoke about was the family home included in any means-test for treatment and aged care costs.
“All of these things are worth discussing… and worth discussing now. But how many of you will?” he asked.
What do you think the biggest issue in aged care is? Do you agree with Derryn Hinch’s comments? Share your thoughts on this article by commenting in the box below.
