Local rally puts aged care in the spotlight
MORE than 100 people attended a community rally in Marshall on Friday, calling for a better aged care system.
The rally, outside an aged care home, was hosted by the Geelong Trades Hall Council, Victorian Trades Hall Council and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation.
The ANMF claimed the Coalition government had announced an extra $18.8bn for aged care but failed to legislate reforms to force employers to roster more nurses and carers per shift so they had time to care for residents.
ANMF Victoria branch secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said 1997 aged care legislation ripped nurses out of nursing homes.
“Anthony Albanese’s aged care election promises mean there is a sense of urgency to fix this crisis and put humanity back into the care of our vulnerable loved ones,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.
Labor’s plan would require a registered nurse on site 24/7 in residential care and support a pay rise for aged care workers.
A spokeswoman for Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck said the government accepted an aged care royal commission recommendation in relation to 16 hours of nursing a day in 2022 and 24 hours a day in 2024.
“In line with the royal commission recommended timeframe for safely growing the nursing workforce, we accepted the recommendation of the commission regarding a very workable approach,” the spokeswoman said.