It is typical of the Gillard Labor Government to release bad news during a holiday period.
The release of the report on Minister Butler’s “conversations” on Easter Saturday and today’srelease of the Alzheimer’s Australia report are both a sobering indictment on the failings of the Rudd-Gillard Governments on ageing and aged care matters.
In 2007, Labor was critical of the Coalition for “not providing enough aged care beds and people are becoming bed blockers in acute hospital beds.”
In 2007, Labor promised “new directions for frail and older Australians” and “making the transition from hospital to Aged Care a priority area.”
Five years later and over 20 reviews, reports and inquiries, including three by the Productivity Commission, Labor's neglect and broken promises have left a system in crisis that cannot provide the needs of our older Australians.
Having received the Productivity Commission report, Caring for Older Australians, in August last year, Minister Butler chose to delay the process and embark in more “conversations”, predominately in Labor held electorates.
"The Coalition established dementia as a National Priority in 2004. Despite this initiative proving invaluable to individuals with dementia and a Government evaluation finding the initiative successful, the Gillard Labor Government decided to terminate this program.
The Coalition is committed to reinstating dementia as a National Priority," Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.
"The Coalition has put forward a real and sustainable plan which provides choice and sets out the framework for real reform in partnership with the aged care sector." Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.
“Older Australians deserve a response as to what changes, if any, the Government is going to make to the aged care system. The ball is now in Labor's court. It's time to act.”