Aged care inquiry to resume in 2005

The Senate inquiry into aged care will resume in early 2005 after being interrupted by the federal election.

Further public hearings are expected to be held in February with a final reporting date of June 23, 2005.

The inquiry is examining staffing and funding levels in aged care as well as the work of the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency.

The HSU has already produced a detailed submission setting out problems in the industry including the lack of minimum staffing levels, poor training and inadequate scrutiny of poor facilities.

HSU national secretary Craig Thomson said the inquiry was a vital opportunity to reveal the true state of aged care.

"Unfortunately the reality in the industry is that without minimum staffing levels too many facilities are understaffed and that directly affects the quality of care provided to families," he said.

"Combine that with inadequate training and an inadequate inspection regime and you have a situation where poorly performing homes are not being brought up to an appropriate standard.

All members working in aged care are welcome to provide feedback their experiences in the industry which can be used by the union.

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