HSU Asks Questions on Aged Care

The Health Services Union recently presented eight questions to both major parties ahead of the federal election to ensure that members are aware of their intentions in regards to aged care prior to voting.

The ALP and the Coalition have both provided responses to this request, though the Coalition failed to answer most of the questions posed. The major parties responses are available to download below.

The HSU asked:
1. Are you proposing to introduce specified minimum staffing levels in residential aged care?

2. Will you provide specific funding, by a transparent mechanism, to ensure aged care workers have pay and conditions equivalent to their counterparts in the acute care sector?

3. Will you introduce whistleblower protection for aged care workers who make complaints about all types of abuse and quality of care issues?

4. Will you agree to greater consultation and cooperation with the HSU on issues of concern to members, including membership of relevant aged care workforce and advisory committees?

5. Will you support increased efforts for education and training for current and potential aged care workers?

6. Will you introduce minimum qualifications for direct care workers which recognise prior learning?

7. Are you proposing greater financial accountability and transparency in the use of funding provided to aged care facilities?

8. Will you improve the accreditation system to ensure consistency of decisions and accreditation standards with measurable outcomes?

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To view the full responses to the questions click here [ pdf ]

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