Media Release: Seniors critical to the Budget equation
The 2023 Federal Budget will deliver much needed cost of living relief including those in aged care and those receiving government support.
Aged care homes are closing as they struggle to meet new standards. From July 1 they need a registered nurse 24/7 and more workers to give more care minutes per resident.
National Seniors has put forward a solution in its budget submission to help retain and attract staff.
National Seniors Australia welcomes cost of living relief provided in the 2023 budget.
This includes a $40 increase to the base rate for the JobSeeker payment, a $92.10 increase for JobSeekers aged 55-59, and a 15% increase to the maximum rate of rent assistance.
National Seniors called for an increase to rent assistance in its 2023 Budget Submission.
“Renters are more vulnerable to higher costs, lower living standards and homelessness. This increase will go some way to help ease these pressures, particularly for older women who are most at risk,” Chief Advocate Ian Henschke said.
"The one-off electricity subsidy of up to $500, more affordable medications and incentives for GPs to bulk bill will also help.
“In good news for aged care, the government has funded the 15% pay increase for workers and there are 9,500 extra home care packages. However, National Seniors wonders where the workers will come from. Government could do more by capitalising on the skills of older people.
“Older people are a critical part of the budget equation – not only in terms of what they need but how they can contribute.”
Mr Henschke said the aged care sector would benefit from a dedicated training scheme to encourage mature aged people to deliver these new home care packages.
“Giving pensioners who are care workers an exemption from the income test would also go a long way to help retain desperately needed workers.
“Job vacancies are high, employers need workers and pensioners want to work without losing their pension and reporting to Centrelink. It's time to stop penalising pensioners who work.
“We hope this policy, backed by the ACTU, business and the wider community will now be recommended for implementation in the upcoming Employment White Paper.”
Ian Henschke is available for comment, please call 0488 047 380 to arrange an interview.
