Senator Richard Colbeck has refused to say whether the Government will support the $1.5 billion rescue package put forward by seven of the sector’s largest organisations this week.
As we reported here, the groups – Aged & Community Services Australia, the Aged Care Guild, Anglicare Australia, Baptistcare Australia, Catholic Health Australia, Leading Age Services Australia and UnitingCare Australia – had proposed a $1.495 billion injection into the sector over the next six months to shore up providers.
“The aged care sector and its workforce are not forgotten in this crisis,” Minister Colbeck stated.
“Specifically-targeted funding packages of $101.2 million and a further $444 million announced in March will help substantially reinforce management, staff, and services.”
“Additional provisions include mechanisms for surge staffing and support for isolated providers.”
Providers have also indicated to us that they do not believe the Government to take up the package.
More on this next week.
