UnitingCare Australia welcomes today’s announcement of an injection of $662 million into residential, home and community aged care. We congratulate the Government for continuing to act on pressing issues in this important community service sector, directing funding at some of the key areas of need.

As a result of today’s announcement 10,000, older Australians will now be relieved that they are able to access services for which they have already been assessed – some as long as 18 months ago. However, the government must continue its efforts in this direction, as more than 100,000 still remain on waitlists for home care packages that meet their care needs.

We need to move towards a system where true choice and high-quality services complement social supports so that Australians have a better chance to remain in their own community for longer. To cater for an increasing number of older Australians in the future, the Federal Government must create a sustainable funding framework for approved Home Care Packages and residential care, and explore innovative practices that will create the care, comfort and inclusive environment we all wish for whatever stage we are at in our lives.

“UnitingCare Australia looks forward to continuing the discussion of the needs of older Australians during the public hearings of the Royal Commission on Aged Care Quality and Safety which begin tomorrow”, said National Director Claerwen Little. “We have committed to fully co-operating with the Royal Commission and contributing to the discussion about creating the services people will want as the population ages.”