Federal Government too slow in COVID-19 aged care response

Not enough has been done by the Federal Government to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s special report on the COVID-19 pandemic.

And on the same day that the Morrison Government made announcements about investing more money into COVID-related aged care support, it was also fighting measures that would ensure taxpayer funding for aged care is properly accounted for by opposing the Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Financial Transparency) Bill 2020.

“The urgent recommendations should have been fully implemented by the Federal Government by now, but they continue with their delays and inaction in aged care,” Health Services Union (HSU) National Secretary, Lloyd Williams said.

“It is clear this Government has no plan for aged care other than to continue kicking the can down the road.

“HSU aged care members around the country are still struggling to obtain basic PPE, they still don’t have safe staff levels at work and they still don’t know where the money in aged care goes.

“And while thankfully the pandemic has subsided in Victoria and South Australia, the epidemic of insecure work remains.

“Aged care workers are underpaid, understaffed, and undervalued.

“It’s time this Government stopped short-changing aged care.”

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