Aged Care for the people by the people

The Campaign for Care of Older Australians (CCOA) has urged the independent MPs to adopt the Grand Plan vision for caring for older Australians.

CCOA comprises 11 national organisations providing community and residential aged care and housing

CCOA Chair Greg Mundy said the policy provided a strategy for the urgent reforms needed in aged care.

"We urge the MPs to adopt the Grand Plan in their discussions with the major parties on health and ageing," he said.

"The current impasse on who will form the next federal government creates an unprecedented scope for bi-partisan support on significant issues such as aged care."

Mr Mundy said collectively the ALP, the Coalition and the Greens’ aged care policies addressed many areas in urgent need of reform if we are to meet the needs of our ageing population.

CCOA welcomed the ALP’s commitment to a national approach for aged care funding; the Coalition’s proposal to establish an agreement with aged care providers in consultation with stakeholders; the Greens plan to plug the funding gaps in community and residential aged care services and all parties commitment to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into aged care.

"But urgent interim action is necessary to ensure services remain viable and able to support older people pending the adoption of the Commission’s recommendations.

"The Independents and Greens have a unique opportunity to encourage a consensus on short term measures and reforms to guarantee a sustainable aged care sector in the long term.

"CCOA’s Grand Plan offers a clear strategy for action to ensure choice and access to sustainable services.

"The time is right for a visionary investment in community and residential aged care across the country, including rural and remote communities. We don’t need a declaration of the polls to be clear about the need to support older Australians."

The Grand Plan policy and a report card on the ALP, Coalition and Greens aged care policies is available at www.thegrandplan.com.au

Media contact: Chris Hornsey 0419 513 432

Aged & Community Services Australia, Aged Care Association Australia, Anglicare Australia, Baptist Care Australia, Catholic Health Australia, Churches of Christ Living Care, Sir Moses Montefiore Jewish Homes, Lutheran Aged Care Australia, The Salvation Army Aged Care Plus, The National Presbyterian Aged Care Network, UnitingCare Australia