Valentine’s Day: show some love for older Australians

Published: 15 February 2011

Aged care nurses, assistants in nursing, residents and their families, along with MPs and key industry stakeholders, will join forces today in a national “day of action” aimed at highlighting the need for urgent reform in Australia’s aged care sector.

“Today is about showing that the industry is focused on one goal and that is the major reform of the sector which must start soon,” Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Federal Secretary, Lee Thomas, said today.  

“Providers, consumer groups and unions all agree that aged care urgently requires reform to ensure it is adequately resourced with more staff, much higher wages and a focus on quality care for residents.

“We all know that residents are living longer and require more complex care when they enter nursing homes now.  

“At a time when it is getting more difficult to attract nurses and assistants in nursing less time is being spent with residents as providers struggle in an under resourced industry.”

The aged care national day of action will be launched in Melbourne today by ANF Federal Secretary Lee Thomas and include:

  • Minister for Ageing Hon Mark Butler;
  • Member for Melbourne Adam Bandt;
  • ANF (Victorian Branch) Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick;
  • LHMU National Assistant Secretary Sue Lines;
  • National Seniors CEO Michael O’Neill;
  • Council on the Ageing CEO Ian Yates;
  • Catholic Health Australia CEO Martin Laverty;
  • Mercy Health CEO John Ballard;
  • Aged and Community Services Australia (Acting) CEO Pat Sparrow;
  • Aged Care Association Australia CEO Rod Young;
  • Aged and Community Care Victoria CEO Gerard Mansour and
  • Nurses, assistants in nursing, residents and their families.

Federal MPs will also join residents and their families at special Valentine’s Day events at nursing homes around the country.

“The ANF welcomes the participation of Minister Butler, Adam Bandt, the other MPs and key industry leaders who have come out in support of our Valentine’s Day events,” Ms Thomas said.

Contact:

Phone: