MP vows to question Aged Care Minister over $200,000 cut to local palliative care centre

Federal Liberal Party MP Jason Wood MP, Member for La Trobe, has stated he will approach the Aged Care Minister about the Government's decision to cut $200,000 in funding from Fernlea Emerald Community Care.

"Back in 2004 I secured $800K to support Fernlea House and they haven't looked back since," said Jason in a statement on Facebook. Fernlea Emerald Community Care opened in 2021 in the Yarra Ranges about 60km east of Melbourne, and provides aged care respite and palliative care services.

"Their waiting list means that they now require an additional $500K to expand their facilities and help everyone in need locally," said Jason.

"Shockingly, the Albanese Government has now cut $200K from their annual funding."

The reduction in funding is through the Commonwealth Home Support Program.

"This [funding cut] makes life harder for staff and volunteers at a time when more money than ever is desperately needed," Jason said. "I will be taking this up with the Aged Care Minister and doing everything I can to ensure that Emerald has first-class palliative care."