We believe it is important that we, the public, keep focused on the government cutting up to $1.8 billion from the funding of aged care homes over the next four years, commencing in January.
You can’t make cuts like this without affecting services. There is a Senate Inquiry in Canberra at the moment into the future of Australia’s aged care workforce. Over 300 submissions have been made.
As Aged and Community Services Australia (ACSA) CEO, Pat Sparrow, told the inquiry, around 70 per cent of all costs is the payment of staff. “We have to keep in mind that the aged care workforce also includes nurses, personal carers, maintenance workers, gardeners, laundry workers, cooks and other kitchen staff as well as management and administration staff.” Ms Sparrow said. “There are also many volunteers making a significant contribution in our industry.”
How do you cut this workforce, especially when the ageing population will require a 400 per cent increase in the number of aged care workers over the next 30 years? When are you likely to need aged care support?
Talk to your local member today.
