Wide Bay residents urged to have their say on Aged Care Workforce strategy

27/02/2018

Wide Bay residents urged to have their say on Aged Care Workforce strategy

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien is encouraging people to contribute to a new Aged Care workforce strategy, by participating in an online survey.

“I understand how important aged care is to every family in Wide Bay, and improving aged care services is a priority for me,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“The best way to improve aged care services is by listening to the people who use them and the people who provide them, which is why I am encouraging as many people as possible to take part in this survey.
 
“Appropriately resourced and trained staff are essential to providing the care our senior Australians deserve, so Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt commissioned a comprehensive taskforce, to produce Australia’s first aged Care workforce strategy by July this year.”
 
Mr O’Brien said the taskforce’s work would be critical for future care provision, with predictions the Aged Care workforce will need to grow from the current level of approximately 366,000 to almost one million by 2050.
 
The workforce taskforce has a $2 million budget to support detailed consultation and research across the country, and is currently seeking public comment.

“I urge local seniors, their families, community members and aged care staff to get involved and share their views by going to the taskforce’s online consultation hub and completing the survey by March 16,” Mr O’Brien said.

To contribute to the survey, go to https://consultations.health.gov.au/aged-care-policy-and-regulation/aged-care-workforce-strategy/

People can contact the taskforce by emailing [email protected] or calling 1800 020 103.

Public submissions are open until 16 March.