Opposition wants to work with Government on Final Report of Aged Care Taskforce

Shadow Aged Care Minister Anne Ruston said the Opposition is looking forward to working through the issues raised in the Final Report of the Aged Care Taskforce. Senator Rushton and Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor issued a joint statement, stating the Final Report of the Aged Care Taskforce left more questions than answers. “We will not stand in the way of sensible reform that seeks to strengthen the systems sustainability," said Senator Ruston, "but we also need details on how the Government plans to respond to this report so that we can consult with the older Australians, their families and with the aged care sector.” “I am extremely disappointed that the Government has not involved older Australians in this important conversation from the beginning. Policy developed without the people it impacts at the table lacks the open, honest and timely input that is necessary to meet its purpose.”

“The Coalition has been ready to work cooperatively with the government on a range of important social issues such as aged care and the NDIS," said Senator Taylor.  “But the government has failed to come to the table. These issues are too important to get wrong. We need to make sure they are economically sustainable now and into the future.”

The Opposition, which has been calling out for more than a year that workforce shortages are the major factor contributing to the serious financial instability within the sector, said the report explicitly excludes the issue from consideration.

"The Opposition understands that the current workforce crisis must be addressed before a truly sustainable aged care system can be achieved. If the Government is serious about addressing this critical issue, it must immediately implement a national workforce strategy for the entire care sector."

The SOURCE's coverage of the Final Report of the Aged Care Taskforce:

• Aged Care Minister releases Taskforce Final Report with 23 recommendations - potential $3.6 billion revenue injection
• Aged Care Taskforce Final Report - the key recommendations
• Big structural changes on the way: pay for accommodation, pay for services in home care
• Taskforce recommendations all about shifting the ground and conversations
• What the Aged Care Taskforce Final Report means for retirement living operators