Media Release
January 22, 2010
Ageing Population is Old News
The forecast growth in the numbers of older Australians contained in the 3rd Intergenerational
Report released today should come as no surprise to the Government, according to Aged and
Community Services Australia (ACSA).
ACSA CEO Greg Mundy said the aged care sector has long been warning of the need to revamp
our system for the care and support of unprecedented numbers of older people.
“The Intergenerational Report is a welcome reminder,” Mr Mundy said. “The Report’s status
gives credence to our push for major reform, which is critical if we are to have any hope of
meeting the diverse needs of a whole generation aged over 65.”
“Getting aged care right is a vital component of the overall health reform agenda.”
“Catering for the accommodation and care needs of older Australians must be a major feature
of the Government’s broad agenda to manage the future of our country. This must be seen as
a positive challenge to provide more flexible and integrated services to meet these needs and
not as an onerous task.”
“The Aged Care sector is currently contending with serious funding issues, over regulation, and
in some parts of Australia including many rural and remote communities, a major shortfall in
services and accommodation.”
“Some of these issues can and should be addressed in the short term to ensure a sound footing
for future reform, much of which is directly linked to the recommendations made by the
National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission.
“We have the answers, we need a Government and a society willing to address these issues
and have a real conversation about aged care, one which has a positive focus.
“Comments today by the Minister for Health and Ageing Nicola Roxon and the Minister for
Ageing Justine Elliot that the Government is committed to sustainable, high quality aged care
are heartening. However, we still await news on how the Government is ‘building a modern
aged care system that will help meet the challenges of our ageing population’.”
“CEO of the Australian Industry Group Heather Ridout has warned that the next apology to
Australians will be made to people in nursing homes if we fail to properly prepare for the
future. We agree but would extend the comment to apply to all older people who need care.”
"We also agree with the Treasurer that we can't sit on our hands or play political games if we
to have a sustainable future, and that includes aged care."
Taking steps now will reduce the need for even harder decisions in the future.
Greg Mundy, CEO, 0416 203 065
NEWS 
