Gold Coast politics: Residents, aged care workers, MP and Qld senator deliver petition on age care

Locals have called for further action on issues plaguing the aged care sector at a rally on the Gold Coast at the weekend.

LOCALS have called for further action on issues plaguing the aged care sector at a rally on the Gold Coast at the weekend.

Family of residents and aged care workers delivered a petition to the office of Moncrieff MP Angie Bell on Saturday, as part of the event led by Queensland Labor senator Murray Watt.

The group which included Labor Member for Gaven Meghan Scanlon and the United Workers Union demanded more funding, faster action and more accountability in the aged care sector.

“Complaints about aged care are one of the main issues brought to our offices,” Senator Watt said.

“Across the country there are at least 12,000 people still on the waiting list for home care packages, so people are missing out.”

Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon and Queensland Senator Murray Watt with members of the aged care sector.

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In July this year, Gold Coast’s Earle Haven nursing home’s aged care wing was evacuated without warning, leaving residents in limbo.

A Federal Government report into aged care failings aimed at avoiding a repeat of the Earle Haven scandal recommended 23 changes to the sector.

The report, released last week, has also questioned the State Government’s decision to remove the 69 elderly residents from the facility, instead of bringing in resources.

Senator Watt said he was “frustrated by the lack of interest” shown by LNP leaders when it came to aged care.

“People are at the point where they want to demonstrate their concern, people have a right to expect a response from their elected representatives.”

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Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon and Queensland Senator Murray Watt slide their aged care petition under the door of Moncrieff LNP MP Angie Bell.

“We have had report after report saying that we need new funding injected into aged care, along with other changes, and nothing is changing.

“Taking it directly to the doors of the Federal member Angie Bell is a really graphic way of showing who’s got to start changing – they are the government … it’s time for her and her colleagues to start doing something.

Ms Bell accused Senator Watt and Ms Scanlon of staging a political stunt and “putting politics before people”.

“It’s not appropriate. I really believe people in the electorate can see through it,” she said.