The United Workers Union (UWU) has welcomed the Federal Government’s introduction of two Aged Care Bills into Parliament today, saying they deliver on election commitments to provide 24/7 nursing staff, transparency of funding and the capping of home care administration fees.
The Union says the decision of the incoming Labor Government to prioritise the reforms was a victory for the hard work and persistence of aged care union members across the country.
“Aged care members have been crying out for reform of the aged care sector for the better part of a decade and I am sure they will welcome that this legislation has been introduced in the first sitting week of the new Government,” said UWU Executive Director for Aged Care, Carolyn Smith.
“For many years our members have shared the harrowing stories of a broken system, through the Royal Commission, through walk-offs, and through directly speaking to politicians.
“We are confident that this government recognises the vital role aged care workers play, and those workers voices are the key to the resolution of the crisis in the sector and our members and are ready to work with the Albanese Labor Government to build an aged care system older Australians can have faith in.
“Aged care Workers are the guardians of quality aged care, and are proud that the change they have campaigned for is coming to fruition.
“The United Workers Union looks forward to working closely with the Government to help deliver the care our elderly Australians deserve.”
Ms Smith said Australia’s aged care workers had “held up a broken system through the darkest days of the pandemic” and their commitment to resident care and advocacy for quality, dignified care for older Australians has been on display for the whole country to see.
“UWU welcomes this legislative reform which is now being delivered amongst the first pieces of legislation introduced in the first sitting of the new parliament,” she said.
