Media Statement
For immediate release
Wednesday, 24 August 2005

Alexander: Residential care fears are real

United Future's senior citizens spokesman Marc Alexander today backed the concerns of the Healthcare Providers chief executive Martin Taylor that access to residential care is under threat without greater funding.

"This is no 'cry wolf' campaign, but a real threat, not only to an industry, but to an absolutely crucial social need.

"We need aged care facilities in our society, and we're going to need more in the future with an ageing population, so the bottom line is that they need to be funded properly," Mr Alexander said.

He said the Government's track record in funding this sector was simply appalling, despite a recent $18 million injection.

"Let's be realistic about that $18 million. First it simply isn't enough to solve the endemic under-funding of the aged care sector. It's a start. It is not the end of what's required," he said.

ENDS

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