Productivity Commission draft report on aged care
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, today welcomed the release of the Productivity Commission’s draft report ‘Caring for Older Australians’ which will provide the Federal Government with key advice on the direction of aged care in Australia.
Mr Butler said that the Government tasked the Productivity Commission to undertake a public inquiry to develop detailed options for redesigning Australia’s aged care system, and the draft report was another important first step in the reform of aged care.
“I encourage all those interested in aged care reform to make submissions to the Productivity Commission.
“It is important that every older Australian can access quality care and support that is appropriate to their needs, when they need it,” he said.
Mr Butler also said that the Government will wait for the Final Report in June before responding to any recommendations of the Productivity Commission, but added he will be guided through the process by three broad principles.
“First, every older Australian has earned the right to be able to access quality care and support that is appropriate to their needs, when they need it.
“Secondly, older Australians deserve greater choice and control over their care arrangements than the system currently provides.
“Thirdly, funding arrangements for aged care need to be sustainable and fair, both for older Australians and for the broader community.”
Mr Butler said that of the truest tests of a decent society is how it treats its seniors, those citizens who’ve worked hard for years, paid taxes and raised families; and who, in their old age, need some care and support from the community they helped to build.
“The Gillard Government understands the needs of those requiring aged care and remains committed to delivering better care and support for older Australians”.
The report may be found at www.pc.gov.au. Written submissions on the draft report must be received by the Productivity Commission by Monday 21 March 2011.
Public hearings will be held in all capital cities (except Darwin), for more information phone (02) 6240 3233, go to http://www.pc.gov.au/projects/inquiry/aged-care, or email agedcare@pc.gov.au
