Blue Mountains News

Ms Templeman has been fighting for reform in the sector for some time, and said the plans would put security, dignity, quality and humanity back into aged care for older Australians and their families.

“I’ve been a vocal advocate for aged care, and I know the stories I’ve shared from local aged care workers, operators, residents and their families has helped shape this blueprint for meaningful change,” Ms Templeman has said.

“Our detailed five-point plan will:

• Require a registered nurse on-site 24/7 in residential care;
• Give carers more time to care through an increase to 215 minutes of direct care a day;
• Formally support a pay rise for aged care workers;
• Require better food for residents; and,
• Require more transparency in the system so we know taxpayers’ money is going on care.

“Anyone who has any connection to aged care recognises it’s in crisis. That’s been confirmed by a Royal Commission, the findings of which were simply titled Neglect.

“The aged care workers who show up to work every day are doing their absolute best, but they will be the first ones to tell you the system is at breaking point.

“We all need to remember that most of us will eventually need aged care in our lives, and it’s time to set this broken system to right.

“For far too long the Morrison-Joyce Government has turned a blind eye to operators who put profit ahead of the people - they can’t be trusted to fix their broken system.
 
“Labor deeply believes that the older Australians who built this country deserve aged care homes that genuinely look after them.
 
“We will make aged care a place people want to work, knowing that they will be respected and valued for the unique work they do.

“Labor’s plan will change aged care in this country for the better, end the neglect and ensure older Australians and their families receive the care they deserve.”