media release

CHOICE IN AGED CARE A BENEFIT FOR ALL TASMANIANS

Senator Helen Polley, Labor Senator for Tasmania today welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that older Australians and their carers will have a greater say in how their care is delivered.

 

“The consumer directed care and community respite packages will empower older Australians to have a choice on their care and will help to improve their quality of life and maintain their independence,” Senator Polley said.

 

Senator Polley said “with an ageing population this is an important investment in aged care facilities, including providing greater choice.”

Tasmania will receive 29 consumer directed aged care and respite care packages, funding for which was provided in the 2010-11 Federal budget.

 

This is an important part of aged care reforms that will build a nationally consistent aged care system, increase the number of aged care places, assist carers to upgrade their skills and improve GP access and primary health care services in aged care.

 

“The health, safety and well-being of older Australians is a priority and this announcement will allow for the older Australians to have a greater say about how this is delivered,” Senator Polley said.

 

When Tony Abbott was Health Minister, he cut funding to public hospitals by $1billion dollars and now he is proposing further deep health cuts.

 

Australia needs to continue to move forward with the Gillard Labor Government, moving forward to a system that provides support and better care to our older members of the population.