- Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers
The Andrews Labor Government is calling on the Commonwealth to institute minimum staffing ratios, increase funding, and provide better access to primary healthcare in all aged care services across Australia.
Minister for Disability Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan today released the Labor Government’s submission to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which makes several key recommendations to the Federal Liberal Government and highlights innovative approaches already undertaken in Victoria.
A key component of the Government’s submission is calling for a legislated minimum staffing requirement for all Australian aged care providers, to ensure people are receiving the support they need. Victoria has nurse to resident ratios in our public sector residential aged care, which provides an important safe guard for patients and staff.
Currently, Australian aged care residents can struggle to access primary health care, which includes services like general practitioners and dentistry.
The Government’s submission highlights the need for the Commonwealth to embed this in all residential aged care services so they can intervene early, prevent health issues escalating and avoid unnecessary hospitalisations.
We know people want to stay in their homes for as long as possible. That’s why the Labor Government’s submission calls on the Commonwealth to improve the unacceptable waiting times for Home Care Packages across Australia.
Current Commonwealth funding settings also need to be addressed as a priority to ensure the aged care system is safe, high-quality and also sustainable – especially in rural and regional areas.
The Labor Government is continuing to revitalise Victoria’s public sector aged care by upgrading current services and investing $81.6 million for a 120-bed public residential aged care service in Wantirna, $55.57 million for a 90-bed state-of-the-art aged care facility in Kew and $27.75 million to support multicultural aged care.
The Royal Commission will hand down their final report by 12 November 2020 and will continue to accept submissions until the end of April 2020. To find out more please visit agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au
As noted by Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan
“This submission highlights the innovative ways we’re to revitalising aged care services in Victoria – but we need the Commonwealth to do more.”
“Our vision for the future of Australian aged care is a well-trained and resourced sector with integrated health care that supports our older citizens in making their own choices, no matter where they live.”
“We welcome the Royal Commission and the opportunity to further improve the quality of aged care services and strengthen protections for older Victorians.”
