The Morrison Government’s latest investment in aged care is another step in the right direction, with the announcement of a further $1billion funding in MYEFO.

“We welcome the Government’s significant investment today, and their commitment to ensuring the health and wellbeing of older Australians as an ‘absolute priority’.  Ten thousand more home care packages means that ten thousand more people can have the supports they need to be cared for in their own home. This is, however, not the whole solution” said National Director, Ms Claerwen Little.

“Transformation of the aged care system remains an absolute priority and is long overdue, as recognised by the Aged Care Royal Commission. We expect that the Commission’s final report in February will outline a way forward for this transformation to occur.

“Funding is just one critical part of the solution – we must also ensure there is an adequately remunerated and skilled workforce”, said Ms Little.

“UnitingCare Australia and our aged care network stand ready to work with the Government, unions, consumer groups, and the sector more broadly to ensure older Australians get the high quality and timely care they deserve.”

UnitingCare Australia is a national body for the Uniting Church’s community services network in Australia, supporting 1.4 million people each year across urban, rural and remote communities.

The UnitingCare network is one of the largest networks of social services providers in Australia, supporting 1.4 million people every year across urban, rural and remote communities and powered by over 50,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers.