ANF: Nurses welcome Labor's aged care reform agenda
Published: 4 November 2010
The Australian Nursing federation has welcomed an acknowledgement of the need for reform of the aged care and mental health sectors by the chair of Labor’s caucus social policy committee.
ANF assistant federal secretary Yvonne Chaperon said comments by chair of the caucus committee, Shayne Newman are refreshing and confirm that aged care, mental health and disability services are “unsustainable” and require “sweeping reform”.
“Nurses and carers understand the need for increased investment in quality aged care services for older Australians to help relieve the pressure on public hospitals and the health system generally.”
Mr Neumann has recognised the significant challenges facing Australia including those outlined in the Intergenerational Report released by Treasurer Wayne Swan in early 2010, Ms Chaperon said.
“The reality of the ageing population in Australia is that if we don’t recruit and keep our aged care nurses and carers and improve their pay, the quality of care provided to older Australians will be under real pressure.”
The Australian Nursing Federation supports the comments made by Mr Neumann and looks forward to working with him to make lasting and tangible changes to the aged care system, for the benefit of all Australians.
The ANF is also heartened by comments from the new Minister for Ageing and Disabilities Mark Butler who also recognises the need for changes to the aged care system, and the challenges these will bring.
“Nurses and carers working in aged care welcome Labor’s recognition of this significant challenge and their commitment to second term reform of aged care,” said Ms Chaperon.
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