Catholic Health Australia has congratulated Anthony Albanese and the Australian Labor Party on winning the federal election and is urging the new government to urgently prioritise addressing the workforce crisis in health and aged care.
A new CHA study released this week puts the number of vacancies in aged care alone at almost 60,000.
CHA is also urging an Albanese government to embark on reforms to the health insurance sector, including making it easier for patients to receive hospital treatment at home without losing out financially.
Its members also want to see a greater commitment by the Commonwealth to palliative care so that those nearing end of life have a genuine choice, now that assisted dying laws are present in every state.
CHA is also restating its call for government assistance for aged-care homes to help defray the extra costs of COVID infection prevention which are not reimbursed by the Commonwealth unless there is an outbreak.
CHA CEO Pat Garcia said: “Our members congratulate Anthony Albanese on his election and thank the Coalition government and Scott Morrison for their public service.
“There is always a long list of pressing issues that confront any incoming government but delivering quality compassionate care to our elderly must be right at the top.
“Our Fight for Better Aged campaign has helped put and keep aged-care on the election map over recent weeks, and we are heartened by the new Government’s renewed focus on aged care.
“CHA stands ready to work with an Albanese government to deliver on its pledge for more and better skilled and better paid aged-care workers.”
