In light of the 2021-22 Federal Budget announcement earlier this week, the Government has made a promise to deliver at least 80,000 additional Home Care Packages as well as $650 million to grow and up-skill the industry.
The $650 million amount aims to improve access to aged care in regional, rural and remote areas.
At least $18 billion dollars will be splashed into aged care to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission, a step forward since the dreadful findings from the aged care royal commission.
In a Prime 7 Wagga Wagga news segment last night Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack MP said the extra funding “should prevent more heartbreaking closures”.
“I know the Harden aged care has been such an issue and I have been dealing with this issue since it first arose,” he said in the TV interview.
“But rest assured, I know there is a going to be a good outcome [Harden homes], of which the community will be really pleased with.”
However, Mr McCormack MP could not confirm the facility would reopen again.
Prime 7 journalist Samantha Costin said the Deputy PM’s statement was hope and light in what has been a “very dark tunnel” for the people of Harden, although it’s “cold comfort” for those that have already lost their long-term home.
Some other key features included in the new budget for aged care include one registered nurse on-site for at least 16 hours per day, 33,800 training places for personal care workers and an additional $10 per day per resident given to aged care homes to name a few.
Under the new scheme, every aged care resident is expected to receive three hours and 20 minutes of care per day and at least 40 minutes of that time spent with a registered nurse.
The Times made contact with Mr McCormack MP’s office earlier this week for an update.
Christopher Tan
