Lack of Funds amounts to Systemic Elder Abuse – but neither Party is talking about it

A lot has been made of elder abuse recently. And there are some shocking stories. But Conservatives prefer to focus on individual instances and deflect attention away from SYSTEMIC ELDER ABUSE in the form of insufficient regulation and funding.

In the recent election campaign, neither side had anything much to say about Age Care reform, and provision of extra funding. The initiatives suggested here are crucial to the well-being of our loved ones; but they come at a cost: probably billions a year. Meanwhile, Conservative PM Scott Morrison focuses on tax cuts for the already well-off and thinks he can hoodwink us with mantras on 'economic management'. Those tax cuts will also mean austerity, especially in the context of a possible recession, which will hurt the poor and vulnerable.

Sometimes Aged Care workers (mainly women) need better training; and to retain the best workers the government should subsidise Aged Care worker salaries – as Labor offered to do with child care workers during the election. Training in dementia care is crucial and National Seniors was glad at least to see the parties also taking the issue of loneliness seriously. Finally, Labor's Pensioners Dental Plan had positive ramifications for the elderly; but is one of many progressive Labor policies that will now not see the light of day.

It can be a gruelling job, but Aged Care is one of the most important jobs of all: caring for the most vulnerable of all. Loved ones we would not forsake for all the world. Those workers need respect, and they need support.

Labor wanted to bring in money from tax reform, closing loopholes and so on, but is not yet committed to significant aged care reform.

Beyond already-mooted reforms, Labor emphasised its attempt to outbid the Coalition on a Surplus. But when the Aged Care Royal Commission hands down its findings it must urge the Government and the Opposition to support the dedication of comparable funds to those made available for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Even if it means imposing a dedicated-purpose, progressively structured levy. This could also see a winding back of user pays, and the best quality care for everyone. Residential Care is as crucial as Care at Home.

The political parties have treated this issue like a political football for over a decade. That has to stop, and we need real action on Aged Care NOW.

Shorten began – tentatively – to 'break the mould' on small government while he was Labor leader. But if Albanese capitulates on tax cuts there may not be the resources to fund Aged Care Reform under a future Labor Government. The sufferings of the aged; and their need for love and dignity is too important to again "leave it until next time".

Morrison is a hypocrite; parading his 'Christian credentials' while preferring tax cuts to caring for the vulnerable. Perhaps some brave 'compassionate Conservatives' within the Liberal ranks could take a stand: but that is doubtful. But Labor also needs clarity and resolve. It is an argument they can win if they prioritise compassion, respect and justice for the elderly.

We're talking about our loved ones here; and possibly of our own futures. The Government and the Opposition must foreshadow the necessary commitment of resources now; or they must support an immediate shift of policy on funding, ratios and standards following the Aged Care Royal Commission. Lack of funds amounts to the systemic abuse of our elderly. Elder abuse cannot be 'fixed' without the provision of extra billions every year.

Aged Care Reform NOW!