More staff in aged care facilities, better training for them and an independent regulator should be the top priorities following the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality, says Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander.
The Royal Commission has released its final report, which has made it clear that the aged care system is in crisis.
The report, which makes no fewer than 148 recommendations, highlights the need to create a “new aged care system” in the wake of its shocking findings.
“The state of aged care is a national disgrace,” says Dr Freelander.
Federal Labor is now undertaking a process of carefully reviewing the recommendations of the Royal Commission, with Dr Freelander highlighting an immediate path forward for the government.
“The Coalition Government has not responded to any of the issues that are plaguing our aged care system, that much is clear,” he said.
“It is clear that three things need to happen. Firstly, an independent regulator is desperately needed; the government’s regulators have failed abysmally to improve the quality of care afforded to older Australians.
“Secondly, we need to urgently increase staffing in the aged care sector, and thirdly we need to improve the training available to staff.”
The Royal Commission confirmed that nearly a third of people in aged care had received sub-standard care, and that over two-thirds of those in residential care were either malnourished or at risk of being malnourished.
“Scott Morrison is responsible for the aged care system,” the Labor MP said.
“He is responsible for the $1.7 billion in federal funding cuts and the terrible systemic neglect identified by the Royal Commissioners.
“Older Australians and aged care workers deserve better.”
