2010 Federal Budget preview
ANGLICARE Sydney is calling on the Government not to forget its social inclusion agenda in next week’s Federal Budget.
“We are concerned the elderly and families who struggle in isolation; or carry the care of loved-ones with a disability are being asked to wait, wait and wait,” says Peter Kell, CEO of ANGLICARE Sydney.
“Systemic reform is important. But there are tactical initiatives that would make a big difference to many who have slid backwards while the rest of Australia has enjoyed years of prosperity and resilience.”
Key areas identified by ANGLICARE Sydney are:
Immediate funding for initiatives that break away from the current, one-size-fits-all approach to supporting children with severe to profound disabilities.
“The families ANGLICARE Sydney works with want recognition that complex needs require government support that is flexible: and they are the best ones to decide what form that support should take.
“Having said that – more money for respite options is essential to these families’ survival as they wait for the outcome of a Productivity Commission and policy deliberations,” says Mr Kell.
Immediate funding to improve outcomes for individuals and families who turn to organisations like ANGLICARE Sydney for Emergency Relief.
“While extra funding for emergency relief services has been very welcome, this is still only enabling us to deal with the symptoms of disadvantage and not the causes.
“We believe funding of individualised case management that deals with the root causes of disadvantage and social exclusion is both necessary and a productive alternative to compulsory income management.
“Not only does it benefit individuals: it benefits their dependents and the communities they live in,” says Mr Kell.
Immediate adjustments to recurrent funding of the Aged Care Industry.
“Providing residential aged care is unsustainable under current formulas used by the Federal Government.
“Private operators are pulling out of the industry and not-for-profit operators like ANGLICARE Sydney are battling to remain viable. This has a direct impact on quality of care and the recruitment, remuneration and retention of trained staff.
“By delaying appropriate funding of this sector, Governments have been leaning on the philosophical commitment of well-run altruistic organisations and their nursing staff, says Mr Kell.
Anglicare Sydney is the largest Christian Care organisation providing community-based disability services and a leading provider of not-for-profit aged care services.
2010 Federal Budget Fact Sheet: Disability
2010 Federal Budget Fact Sheet: Aged Care
2010 Federal Budget Fact Sheet: Sustainable Living
