Nurse’s union demands urgent action on aged care reform

The comments on the Royal Commission come just hours after protesters rally outside Dawson MP George Christensen’s office with a list of demands

The Prime Minister has agreed findings into Australia’s private aged care system are a “national disgrace.”

Scott Morrison faced a fiery press pack on Monday just minutes after the Royal Commission into Aged Care’s final report was tabled in parliament.

He announced a $452.2 million package in response to the report’s 148 recommendations and warned Australians they should “brace for impact” after what had been a “harrowing process”.

Meanwhile, Queensland Nursing and Midwives’ Union members had taken placards to six LNP offices between Cairns and Brisbane.

QNMU organiser Auriel Robinson was in Mackay to demand Dawson MP George Christensen take immediate action, despite the politician preoccupied in Brisbane.

“What we’d like to see is a registered (nurse) on every shift on every unit in every private aged care facility throughout the country,” Ms Robinson said.

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She said the private aged care sector was also vastly understaffed with residents deserving higher levels of care.

Queensland Nursing and Midwives' Union (QNMU) organiser Auriel Robinson (front) with (from back left): Mackay Harbour resident Ruth Leahy, North Mackay resident Russell Bellear and Andergrove resident Mardi Roscher, protesting outside Dawson MP George Christensen's office about improving conditions at private aged care facilities. March 1, 2021. Picture: Heidi Petith

“As we know in the public sector, ratios not only save lives, it also saves money,” Ms Robinson said.

“(Residents) are our heritage … they’re why we’re here.

“We’d definitely like Mr Christensen to speak up more.”

Mr Morrison said his government had a clear road map to improve the respect and care for older Australians.

“I called this Royal Commission to ensure our oldest and most frail Australians could receive the respect and care that supports their dignity, and recognises the contribution that they have made to society,” he said.

“I warned when I called the Royal Commission there will be stories that will be hard to hear. And that has been the case.

“But at the same time, we have also heard heartwarming cases of dedication and with the challenges of COVID-19 in the past year, we need to acknowledge the hard work performed by our aged care workforce.”

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Health Minister Greg Hunt said the government’s response would be underpinned by five pillars including home care, residential aged care quality and safety, residential aged care services and sustainability, workforce, and governance.

The government will release its full response to the report by May 31.

Read more: Aged Care Royal Commission hands down final report

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