Federal Opposition Leader, Sussan Ley, is hailing today’s decision by the Federal Government to bring forward the release of 20,000 additional home care packages as “a win for elderly Australians”.
The Coalition, Greens and independents teamed up today to demand the Government fund more packages, after new packages were delayed alongside broader aged care reforms from July until November.
The Government had promised 83,000 new packages but none were released, adding pressure to a waitlist that had blown out from 87,000 in March to 108,000 in July.
“Too many older Australians have been left waiting for the care they need — and thousands have tragically died while waiting,” said Ms Ley.
“After pressure from the Coalition, Labor has finally released 20,000 home care packages.
“It should never have come to this. We’ll keep fighting until every promised package is delivered,” she said.
According to latest figures, there are 121,000 people waiting to be assessed for home care packages.
Under a deal put forward by Coalition health spokeswoman, Anne Ruston, the additional 20,000 packages would be released by December 31, with the remainder of the 43,000 packages to be rolled in the first six months of next year.
Soon after today’s Senate vote, Federal Minister for Ageing, Mark Butler, announced 20,000 home care packages would be brought forward for release by the end of October.
Ms Ley said today’s announcement was “a win for elderly Australians”.
“This is not a deal, Prime Minister. This is a defeat,” she said.
“Because Labor has been dragged kicking and screaming to implement what we have spent this week demanding that they do; put in place the promised age care packages for elderly and vulnerable Australians.”
Anglicare Sydney has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to the release of packages.
“We have been advocating for the urgent release of these packages, as delays have seen thousands of Australians denied the care they urgently need, putting strains on hospitals, carers and taxpayers more broadly,” said Anglicare Sydney CEO, Simon Miller.
“We’re pleased the Government has listened to the sector’s calls on this issue and we look forward to working with them to help support more Australians to be cared for at home.”
