Coalition MPs are being warned that votes are on the line if the Federal Government’s controversial cuts to aged care funding aren’t halted, with aged care providers ramping up grassroots campaigns.
Provider peak body Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) has told its members to lobby their local MPs and rally the support of staff and their local communities against what it has described as $3.1 billion in cuts to aged care since 2014.
LASA’s campaign website has an online petition, as well as a video detailing the funding cuts and how it will impact the provision of aged care.
The peak has encouraged providers to use the local media and social media to raise the issue and put pressure on the government over the cuts. Watch LASA’s video here:
Many aged care facilities will today be raising the funding issue directly with MPs and local representatives, as they host a series of events as part of Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) national open day.
Elsewhere, ACSA yesterday told its members that aged care consultancy Ansell Strategic had been engaged by UnitingCare Australia, ACSA and Catholic Health Australia to provide an estimate of this impact on frail people in our care.
The report would be provided to government before the 2 July election, it said.
The Aged Care Guild, the peak body representing major private residential care operators, also previously announced it had commissioned Deloitte Access Economics to review the impact of the cuts.
ACSA also raised the issue when responding yesterday to the government’s announcement of $7.5 million for the creation of specialist dementia care units, saying it was a “drop in the ocean” compared to the most recent $1.2 million ACFI cut in the budget.
“The providers who care for and support more than a million older Australians every day want the next government of Australia to halt the impact of these cuts and undertake a genuine consultative review of the ACFI,” said ACSA.
More AAA reports on the ACFI changes:
- Risk of a two-tier aged care system emerging after ACFI cuts: CEO
- Cost of care study needed in wake of ACFI cuts: Siewert
Want to have your say on this story? Comment below. Send us your news and tip-offs to editorial@australianageingagenda.com.au
My name is Dave Saddler and I am running as an Independent in the Senate in SA
My main focus is Aged Care
I have worked in Aged Care for 10 years
This sector needs more resources not less
Please keep me up to date on your advocacy campaign
Mr Turnbull has cut a lot of funding. Aged care facilities are cutting staff and having poor staff-resident ratios. Many staff are burning out due to heavy workloads and are unable to keep up a high standard. This is causing some workers depression who want to leave this field. New workers are getting poor education from some of the providers and lack skills. If Mr Turnbull does not reverse the funding the aged residents will suffer. I fear for the future in aged care. Also the pay rate is very poor for the work and responsibility they have.
What can we do?!