With the political impasse into its 12th day, news remains scant but hope remains high.

Late last week the Campaign for Care of Older Australians (CCOA) said the situation created an unprecedented scope for bi-partisan support on significant issues such as aged care.

CCOA chair, Greg Mundy said collectively the ALP, the Coalition and the Greens’ aged care policies addressed many areas in urgent need of reform to meet the needs of our ageing population.

Mundy said CCOA welcomed the ALP’s commitment to a national approach for aged care funding; the Coalition’s proposal to establish an agreement with aged care providers in consultation with stakeholders; the Greens plan to plug the funding gaps in community and residential aged care services and all parties commitment to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into aged care.

“But urgent interim action is necessary to ensure services remain viable and able to support older people pending the adoption of the Commission’s recommendations.  The Independents and Greens have a unique opportunity to encourage a consensus on short term measures and reforms to guarantee a sustainable aged care sector in the long term."

Mr Mundy urged the independent MPs to adopt the Grand Plan vision for caring for older Australians - a policy he said provided a strategy for these urgent reforms.

Meanwhile, Jason Chatfield has drawn what we understand to be his last cartoon for Wayne Belcher, CEO of Bethanie Group aged care in WA, on the subject of aged care and the 2010 election .  Thanks to Wayne for sharing these cartoons with AAA.  Read Wayne's blog, Grey Matters, by clicking here.