Nursing home inaction:
Three reviews and nothing done

“The Rudd Government has undertaken three major reviews of aged care, but, to date, not one thing has been done in response to any of them” said Charmaine Crowe, CPSA Policy Coordinator.

“Allegations of sexual abuse in homes are up, complaints are up, and homes that have breached their care responsibilities under the Aged Care Act can still receive full accreditation with no mark to their name.”

“The findings from last year’s reviews of the aged care accreditation system and the Complaints Investigation Scheme have not even been released.”

“Aged care providers are crying poor, yet the Australian Government has refused to assess the cost of care, despite it being recommended by the Senate Finance & Public Administration Committee’s Inquiry into aged care funding 12 months ago.”

“It’s clear the system’s broke. Reviews are necessary to fix it, but after a review, action is expected.”

“Instead, we can only assume that these reports lie on the Minister’s desk collecting dust.”

“CPSA calls on the Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and the Minister for Ageing Justine Elliot to release the accreditation and Complaints Investigation Scheme reports and act accordingly. CPSA also calls on the Australian Government to ensure aged care subsidies cover the cost of care.”

Media contact: 0410 612 182

Charmaine Crowe
Policy Coordinator
Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association (CPSA)
Level 9, 28 Foveaux Street Surry Hills NSW, 2010
Phone (02) 9281 3588
Mob 0410 612 182
Fax (02) 9281 9716