Media Statement - 7th August 2007
In his media release today, the Minister for Ageing is trying to yet again hide the truth about the provision of aged care beds in Australia under 11 years of Howard Government.
The number of aged care beds for every 1000 people aged 70 years and over has significantly declined under the Howard Government. In 1995, there were 92 beds for every 1000 people aged 70 years and over. But in June 2006 there were only 85.6 beds for every 1000 people aged 70 years and over.
"The Howard Government has failed to plan for future aged care needs and has allowed the resources of the sector to erode. A surplus of 3217 aged care beds in 1996 became a shortfall of 2735 beds by December 2006," Senator McLucas said.
"The Productivity Commission Reports on Government Services shows that waiting times to get into residential aged care have increased significantly over time. Now, over 28% of people, who have been assessed as requiring a bed, wait three months or more to actually receive a bed, compared with 15% in 2000.
"Unlike the Howard Government, Labor has a plan to fix the aged care bed shortage. Kevin Rudd recently released a policy that will invest $158 million over the next five years to create up to 2,000 transition care beds for older Australians who are currently waiting in hospital beds for an aged care bed and allow others to return to their home.
"Federal Labor will also provide $300 million of loans at zero real interest rates to aged care providers to make up to 2,500 permanent residential aged care beds available to older Australians sooner.
"A Rudd Labor Government will ensure there is equitable access to aged care beds using thorough research and analysis of the needs of older Australians.
"I very much welcome the $300 million funding announcement by the Salvation Army to boost its aged care network and their commitment to people who require care."
