Fiona Phillips (Gilmore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

Gilmore has an ageing population. In fact, compared to other electorates, Gilmore has one of the highest numbers of age pensioners, so I am acutely aware of the many issues facing our older residents.

Almost daily, my office receives emails and calls from older constituents or their family members, seeking support for their aged-care needs, whether that's arranging lawnmowing, meals, help around their home or access to health services, or assisting with the transition to residential care. I know that for too long older residents in Gilmore and right around Australia have been left waiting for the care they deserve.

Under the previous government the system wasn't fit for purpose, and that's exactly why we're rebuilding our aged-care system from the ground up. We want to ensure older people in our communities get the care they need, when and where they need it. Every Australian deserves dignity, respect and quality care as they age.

Saturday 1 November was a historic day for aged-care reform in this country with the start of the new Aged Care Act. I'm so proud to be part of a Labor government that is turning things around. With our overhauled Aged Care Act now in place and the new Support at Home program providing a higher level of care for people in their homes, this is great news for our most vulnerable citizens. A higher level of care available at home means that more older Australians will be able to get the support they need without going into a clinical setting. Importantly, it means they'll be able to stay at home as they recover, without bouncing back into hospital.

While the Commonwealth has responsibility for the aged care system, we're working closely with the states and territories, who manage our hospitals, because we know too many older people are spending far too long in hospital when they should be in a more appropriate care environment. This has been an ongoing issue in our aged-care system, and the pressures are being felt particularly in regional areas like Gilmore, where hospital beds are sometimes the only care options for our elderly. We know that every day an older Australian spends in hospital, when they should be in a more appropriate care environment, puts pressure on their wellbeing and, of course, on our hospital system. We don't want people stuck in hospital beds when they could be receiving the care they need in the comfort of their own homes, surrounded by loved ones, or in dedicated short-term or permanent aged care.

The royal commission told us Australia's aged care system was unacceptable and unsustainable, broken and neglected by those opposite for nine years. After almost a decade of inaction, the Albanese Labor government has taken major steps to bring about real change that will change lives now and for generations to come. We are delivering safer, fairer and more transparent care for older Australians that puts their rights and their quality of life at its heart. Our additional Support at Home places mean our older residents—our parents, grandparents, family members and neighbours—can get back to the people and places they call home. It means they can stay independent for as long as possible. Our new Aged Care Act is a major step forward that ensures people can stay connected to their families and friends, remain involved in their communities and enjoy enriched lives in their twilight years.

In my electorate I love visiting the many seniors groups that are buzzing with life and that keep our older residents engaged, entertained and connected. As local people age, social support and connection become even more important, especially in regional multicultural communities that can be more heavily impacted by social isolation. I'm pleased to continue supporting seniors groups like those run by the Multicultural Communities Council of Illawarra, which received a $332,000 funding boost under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Participants enjoy activities, games, dancing and singing, community outings and a home cooked meal for lunch. Importantly, this group has become a trusted entry point for people who might help with home-care packages and other aged-care services.

We need to celebrate and respect our vibrant seniors and ensure their needs are met as they transition from supported living at home to aged care. There's more to do, but we're building a new aged-care system that will stand up to the challenges our nation will face as our population ages.

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