Media Release 18 May 2022. Our Aged Care Crisis: Who Cares!

Our Aged Care Crisis:  Who Cares!

A survey of Federal election candidates reveals aged care is a high priority across all parties with a major exception – no candidate from the Coalition parties responded.

“While Scott Morrison has spent this week in photo opps with older Australians, not a single one of his 151 candidates running for election on Saturday responded to questions on aged care from concerned retirees” said Jane Timbrell, spokesperson for the Retired Unionists Network (RUN). 

The RUN group has closely followed the Aged Care Royal Commission; and, concerned by the Government’s response, decided to survey as many candidates as possible who have nominated for one of the 151 House of Representatives seats in this Saturday’s elections.

Significantly in the survey:

• All respondents bar two answered “yes” to the question: “Do you consider the reforms to Aged Care as a high priority in your campaign?”
• All but one respondent believed that unspent public moneys given to aged care residential providers and/or home care support service providers should be “reinvested in the care of aged care residents”. None said it should go toward profits of providers.
• All candidates supported a strong, proactive aged care regulator, and increasing pay and secure employment for aged care workers.
• All were opposed to the outsourcing of implementation and advice for Aged Care reforms to management consultants as has happened under the current Government.

“Just about everyone knows someone who lives in Aged Care” said Ms Timbrell.

“It could be your granny, your mother, your neighbour or a friend.  It could be you or your spouse!”. 

“We are very angry that those living in Aged Care do not have a voice.  This is why the RUN Group decided that we need to speak up and speak out, and to do something in this space”. 

“The survey results were supportive of the need for changes in aged care by Labor, Green, independent/teal and other minor party candidates.  Unfortunately, there was a deafening silence from the Liberal and National party candidates”.  

“Our conclusion is that if the rancid Morrison Government is re-elected on 21 May, we are assured that nothing will change for those living in Aged Care”.