Over 470 older people living in the West Moreton* health area are languishing on waiting lists for Home care packages.

Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann said the Morrison Government is responsible for the ongoing neglect of our national aged care system.

“We know that as at the end of September 2020, around 100,000 older Australians were still waiting for home care packages,” Mr Neumann said.

“A year before that, in October 2019, the Aged Care Royal Commission made an urgent recommendation that the home care waiting list be addressed immediately.

“That was in an interim report, which is unusual; but the Commissioners were concerned about so many older people languishing at home, or worse, dying at home while waiting for a care package.”

Mr Neumann said the purpose of home care packages were to assist older people to live independently at home for as long as possible.

“Scott Morrison is denying older people the dignity and comfort of living at home.

“Too many end up in residential care or passing away because they cannot access a home care package.

“If nations are to be measured based on how they treat their most vulnerable, then Scott Morrison’s Government must hang its head in shame.

“It is telling that the Aged Care Royal Commission’s interim report was titled Neglect.

“That was before 685 aged care residents lost their lives to COVID-19.

“It is hard to believe that the Morrison Government can effectively respond when the Aged Care Royal Commission hands down its final report this year.

“Older people in this community deserve better.”

* Includes Ipswich, Somerset Region, Scenic Rim and Lockyer Valley