Christmas is coming but there is no good cheer in the aged care sector as the Gillard Government sits on the latest Aged Care Approvals Round (ACAR) said Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Shadow Minister for Ageing.

“The Minister for Ageing, Mark Butler, should have made an announcement on the latest funding round at least a month ago but there has been nothing,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“The industry is desperate to know the outcome of the 2010 allocation of aged care ... bed licences and community care packages.

“People’s lives are on hold. They are unable to make decisions about care for themselves or elderly parents and other relatives.

“Providers cannot properly go ahead with plans or arrange finance for new projects.

“We know community care keeps the elderly in their homes for longer and this is a good outcome for them and for their families.

“Labor has a track record when it comes to delays in health care for older Australians. Aged care was ignored in its health reforms. Despite calls for much-needed changes, the Gillard Government has shunted aged care off for yet another review.

“Even this has been delayed because the Department of Health and Ageing cannot get its act together. The draft report is not due until 21 January 2011 and the final report is now not due until June 2011, long past the time for the next budget round.

“Older Australians would be wondering if this Gillard Government cares about them or if they really have been forgotten.”