Minister for Ageing Makes Election Promises Priority (Australia)

Dignity and respect a major concern
01/01/2008

Implementing the Labor Party’s election promises is Justine Elliot’s first priority. As the newly-installed Minister for Ageing, Mrs Elliot’s area of responsibility is community care and residential care or nursing homes. She said her initial focus would be on implementing promises such as the transition beds between hospital and aged care homes; increasing the number of nurses and personal care workers; interest-free loans to aged care providers; and installing an ambassador for ageing.

Mrs Elliot spoke to The Senior only a week into her new role and said she would be spending the first months getting out and about, listening and talking to older people.

She said she had held an aged care summit in her electorate a couple of years ago and was aware of a variety of issues of interest to older people.

For her, a main priority was respect and dignity. “We need to make sure we pay due respect,” she said.“Unfortunately there is that lack of respect. It is a huge concern. “It is really important young people understand all that our older Australians have been through in their lives, and vitally important we honour and respect them.” She said she was aware the election promise of a national reciprocal public transport entitlement scheme for Seniors Card holders was of vital interest.

At this early stage, she was not aware of which minister would be responsible for implementing the scheme.She said she was not going to be drawn on issues such as mandatory staff to resident ratios in nursing homes. “I am aware of concerns raised in the past and I will be seeking more information,” she said.“I am new to the portfolio.“I acknowledge people have raised these issues and I will be seeking advice.”

Mrs Elliot said she was interested in the findings of two reviews, one of which was already under way. This was a review into the community aged care program. The other was a review into aged care planning ratios, looking at the number of nursing home beds needed in the future.

SOURCE: The Senior.com.au