Due to inaction and underfunding by the Federal Liberal Government more than 16,000 Australians have died waiting for a Home Care Package they were assessed in need of, but never received.

Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas MP is today calling on the Liberals to step up and fix their botched Home Care Packages program, which has left more than 28,000 older Victorians waiting on appropriate care.

Home Care Packages are coordinated care and service packages that help older Australians to live independently in their own home, for as long as they can. There are four levels that people are eligible for, depending on the level of care needed.

Nationally and as of 31 December 2018, there were more than 120,000 Australians on the waiting list, including 73,978 people who hadn’t even been offered access to a lower level interim package, 21,219 of whom are Victorians.

Some older Victorians are waiting more than 18 months from the time of being assessed in need of home care, to receiving their Commonwealth support.

The Liberals latest budget confirmed no new money had been invested in fixing this issue and their February announcement of a paltry extra 10,000 packages nationwide will not even scratch the surface.

With more Victorians assessed and waiting for a Home Care Package then there are receiving one, it’s time for Scott Morrison to step up and fix this mess, so elderly Victorians can get the care they deserve.

Quotes attributable Local Member for Werribee, Tim Pallas MP

“The ongoing royal commission into aged-care is a timely reminder that we need to give elderly people the high-quality care they deserve.”

“The Andrews Labor Government will continue to fight for the first-rate care of older Victorians until the Liberal Government finally delivers on its promises.” 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers Luke Donnellan  

“This is more proof that Scott Morrison is failing Victorians. It’s time he gave our elderly community members the care they deserve – high quality, close to home and close to their family and friends.”