 Home Media Resources Salvos Sell Up While Government Does Nothing Feb 11,2004
Salvos Sell Up While Government Does Nothing Feb 11,2004
The Salvation Army’s decision to sell 15 aged care facilities around the country shows the extent of the crisis in aged care which is caused by under-funding, inadequate care standards and staff shortages.
The Health Services Union said today it was seeking an urgent meeting with the Salvation Army's management to ensure that staff and residents in the facilities in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory do not suffer because of the sales.
HSU National Secretary Craig Thomson said it was critical that an agreement was struck with the Salvation Army to make sure that all staff entitlements are preserved and that jobs and wages will not be cut by the new owners.
"For staff this is a difficult and uncertain time and it is imperative that they are given reassurances about their futures," Mr Thomson said.
"Aged care is such a critical area and we would vigorously oppose any reduction in staff or their wages by new owners which would affect the care of elderly residents.
"We are also worried that because of the state of the industry it may be difficult to find buyers for the homes.
"The Salvation Army have made it clear that the financial viability of its homes is a major consideration in the sale decision
"It is just one of many organisations struggling to deliver the care that is required because of inadequate levels of funding from the Commonwealth Government.
"The government has sat on its hands for years hiding behind an inquiry into funding the industry.
"Now it has the report by Professor Warren Hogan but it refuses to make it public or to say when it will do anything with it."
Contact Details
Health Services Union of Australia
Ph: 03 93413328
Fax: 03 93413329
hsu@hsu.net.au
http://www.hsu.net.au
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