Boost for aged care welcome

AGED care has become a major focus for the Federal Government lately.

After the Prime Minister’s recent announcement of a royal commission into aged care, the Federal Government yesterday pledged a $ 100 million funding boost to help older Australians.

The funding is aimed at helping keep the elderly in their own homes for longer.

For some, moving into aged care is not an option for either them or their families. At some point it may become a necessity so they receive the high level of care they cannot get living in their own homes.

For others, some external assistance could mean they get to stay in their familiar family homes.

Yesterday’s announcement by Scott Morrison and Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt will be welcome news for the tens of thousands of Australians waiting to receive home care packages. The funding will go to providers of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

Mr Morrison described it as the entry level of support for older Australians which would give them the opportunity to live where they preferred.

The funding will go towards needs such as meals, transport, help with home and garden maintenance, and home modifications to improve recipients’ comfort and safety.

While the Opposition says the funding package is not nearly enough, any attention placed on aged care should be applauded.

But ensuring our most senior citizens are allowed to live with dignity should remain a long- term government priority.

Booting Inglis the right call

RUGBY league certainly knows how to make life hard for itself.

The latest crisis to engulf the game has seen Greg Inglis removed from the Australian captaincy and suspended from playing in the upcoming Tests after being charged with drink- driving and speeding.

It would have been a difficult decision for the NRL to make but it was the right one.