Commenting on last Friday’s Aged Care for the Future forum at Twin Towns Services Club hosted by Greens Senator and Health Spokesperson Rachel Siewert, NSW Greens MP and Senate candidate Lee Rhiannon said that aged care was a key issue for Tweed residents in the upcoming federal election.
“Aged care is a big issue across the country, particularly in the Tweed region, and the Greens are putting it on the agenda for the upcoming federal election.
“According to NSW Health projections, over the next twenty years the number of people over 65 living in the North Coast Area Health Service region could rise by over 120,000 to total over 630,000 people.
“Aged care services are strained now. It doesn’t take a genius to understand that the government’s approach of fiddling around on the edges of the system has no long term feasibility.
"Rudd's health plan has failed to adequately address aged care.
“Aged care issues go beyond single election cycles. We need to deal with current shortcomings in aged care provision, and also anticipate future needs and start investing in solutions.
“The comprehensive discussion paper produced by Senator Siewert and the Australian Greens, which outlines a range of initiatives, welcomed by aged care organisations, seniors groups and consumer advocates, is a significant part of this process.
“Senator Siewert and I both felt the community forum was a great success.
“Hearing a range of views from concerned members of the public and aged care industry employees was exactly what the Greens are looking for.
“A key part of Friday’s discussion involved the importance of not-for-profit aged care facilities, and the individual level of care they provide.
“Aged care is about more than bed placement numbers. We’re talking about valuable members of our community, and any forward planning for aged needs to prioritise helping older Australians stay that way.
“I will be working with Senator Siewert to hold further Aged Care For the Future forums in NSW over the coming months,” Ms Rhiannon said.
Download the discussion paper – 'Aged Care for the Future' at:
http://greensmps.org.au/agedcare
For more information: Lee Rhiannon - 0427 861 568