Andrew Leigh

Over 150 people joined Minister the Hon Mark Butler MP and me at the Griffin Centre in Civic to learn about the Gillard Government's significant reforms in the aged care sector. The event was well oversubscribed so I'm holding another event on 7 December at 10:30am, also in the Griffin Centre. If you'd like to come along, please call my office on 6247 4396 or email Andrew.Leigh.MP {at} aph.gov.au

THE HON MARK BUTLER MP

Minister for Mental Health and Ageing

Minister for Social Inclusion

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Mental Health Reform

ANDREW LEIGH MP

Federal Member for Fraser

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

19 November 2012

LIVING LONGER LIVING BETTER IN FRASER

Minister for Ageing Mark Butler joined local MP Andrew Leigh today to report back to the community on the Government’s $3.7 billion aged care reforms.

Mr Butler met with local residents to discuss the Federal Government’s Living Longer Living Better aged care reform package, designed to provide locals with a better aged care system now, and in the future.

Mr Butler said the $3.7 billion reforms provide a strong focus on helping people to stay in their own home as they get older.

“We’re redesigning an aged care system designed a quarter of a century ago which is now ill-equipped to meet the needs of retiring baby boomers and their parents who are living longer and healthier lives,” Mr Butler said.

“These reforms were informed by the community consultations I held with over 4000 carers, consumers, and industry stakeholders across the country.”

Federal Member for Fraser, Andrew Leigh said many people at a community consultation last year expressed a need for better aged care services.

“Locals told me during the consultation held in our electorate last year that they wanted more choice and control over the way their services are delivered,” Dr Leigh said.

“In particular, local residents have told me that they want to be able to live in their own home and get the support services they need to continue having a meaningful interactive life in our community.”

“I believe that the Government’s new plan will better address the needs of residents and their families.”

Other key aspects of the reform package include:

·        An increase in residential aged care places from 191,522 to 221,103.
·        Funding of $1.2 billion to improve the aged care workforce through a Workforce Compact.
·        More funding for dementia care in the aged care network, and more support for services.
·        A single gateway to all aged care services, to make them easier to access and navigate.


Information on the Living Longer Living Better package can be found at www.agedcareaustralia.gov.au.