CAP concerns continue

Industry and consumer groups raise concerns as the Government refuses to commit to the CAP in its first budget.

The Federal Government’s refusal to commit to the continuation of the 1.75 per cent conditional adjustment payment (CAP) is causing growing concerns.

As its first budget night approaches, the Rudd Government is doing little to allay industry fears.

The Prime Minister has not ruled out budget cuts for aged care and responding to questions from journalists Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot has released a second non-committal statement on the future of the CAP.

Mrs Elliot said the CAP was a matter for Government consideration “in the context of the Budget”.

“It is a long standing principle to neither confirm nor deny what is, or is not, part of the budget process,” she said.

This comment mirrors a statement the Minister gave to Australian Ageing Agenda over a month ago.

With the uncertainty continuing, Aged and Community Care Victoria has warned that “quality of life” programs might have to be scaled back if the industry is hit with a funding cut.

The association’s CEO, Gerard Mansour said card games, trips, barbecues and other activities like bingo would be affected.

“It is individual residents who will suffer, as our industry can no longer absorb funding
pain,’’ he said.

But National Seniors CEO, Michael O’Neill has hit out at those comments, describing them as irresponsible.

“Claims…that nursing home residents will lose access to the few outings and activities they already have, such as bingo, are ridiculous and irresponsible scaremongering,” said Mr O’Neill.

“We won’t let that happen.”

The seniors group has expressed concern at the possibility of a reduction in aged care funding.

It is calling for a “transparent debate” about aged care with input from consumers.

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