Sandra Goudie MP
National Party Senior Citizens Spokeswoman

20 June 2006

Clark must explain opposition to aged-care inquiry

"Helen Clark must explain to the public and the nurses union why she opposes an inquiry into residential and home-care services, says National’s Senior Citizens spokeswoman, Sandra Goudie.

She is responding to comments by the Prime Minister that an inquiry into the state of the aged-care sector is unnecessary, following a call by the Nurses Organisation for a wide-ranging inquiry.

“This is not just about workforce issues,” says Ms Goudie.

"Labour turned a blind eye to the appalling use of exploitative photos in support of a union pay claim.

“They cannot continue to ignore the issue of elder abuse.

"The growing level of concern about elder abuse is reflected in a petition before Parliament calling for the inquiry into quality of care for the disabled to include residential and home-care services.

"Extending the inquiry would identify gaps in the aged-care system and address issues such as providing adequate information for carers and families about the complaints process.

“I have met with a number of carers and families who have wanted to know how to go about raising concerns.

“Extending the inquiry would give them the opportunity to do just that.

"Our elderly folk don’t deserve to be cast aside by an arrogant Labour Government. They deserve dignity, respect and, above all, our active protection from abuse,” says Ms Goudie.

ENDS

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