Federal Election: Real needs sidestepped
Federal Election: ‘Wait and see’ approach side steps real needs in the here and now
An overly cautious election campaign by the major parties continues to miss the point by not addressing pressing social policy needs in the here and now.
“The major parties are confronted with clear social policy needs and yet continue to take a wait-and-see approach; it is just not good enough”, said Peter Kell, CEO of ANGLICARE Sydney.
Election Fact Sheets released today by ANGLICARE Sydney make simple suggestions to meet the needs of refugee communities, people accessing Emergency Relief and older carers looking after a son or daughter with a disability.
Though well known, the needs of the ageing are also largely absent from the election debate.
“It is no secret that we have an ageing population and a wave of baby boomers will need access to quality aged care services within the next ten years. Right now, we can’t provide them”, said Mr Kell.
“The cost of aged care is increasing and years of political stand-offs have failed to produce an efficient, integrated funding model to support access to the full spectrum of aged care services.
“None of the major parties have properly addressed the needs of the ageing in this election campaign; not one party has committed to systemic reform even though the needs are clear. This has become a test of leadership”, said Mr Kell.
The rising cost of providing aged care services is making it more difficult for NGOs like ANGLICARE to provide high-needs care, placing even more pressure on a stretched public system.
“It is almost impossible to sustain high-needs aged care because Government funding has not been properly topped up. Unless this changes we will need to drastically scale back our services.”
Improving coordination of services so that older people can stay at home will also ease pressure on high-needs care. Better transition plans and case coordination are fundamental to this.
“Recommendations from the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Aged Care may not be available for two years; we need action now, not more promises”, said Mr Kell.
2010 Federal Election Fact Sheet: Refugee Housing
2010 Federal Election Fact Sheet: Aged Care
2010 Federal Election Fact Sheet: Disability & Carers
2010 Federal Election Fact Sheet: Mental Health
2010 Federal Election Fact Sheet: Sustainable Living
