Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Ged Kearney MP, joined the federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker MP in hosting a Seniors Forum at the Potato Shed in Drysdale.

Over 140 people were in attendance, where they had the opportunity to speak with organisations representing and supporting seniors in the local community and heard from the Assistant Minister and Ms Coker on federal government initiatives for seniors.

The Albanese Government has delivered the following for seniors in its first year of government:

• capped Home Care Package fees to make sure older Australians will no longer be charged excessive administrative and management costs as part of the Home Care Package;
• cheaper medicines through the PBS;
• legislated 24/7 nurses in aged care homes from July 2023;
• legislated more care minutes in aged care homes from October 2023;
• improved transparency and accountability requirements of aged care providers;
• introduced the Star Ratings system as a comparison rating for all residential aged care;
• supported a meaningful 15% pay raise for aged care workers.

“Older Australians have worked hard all their lives contributing to their community and to our nation. They deserve the best. They deserve to be supported in understanding how their federal government can support them,” said Ms Coker.

Ms Coker said these initiatives and more would be explained through an updated Corangamite Seniors Information Kit that will be available at the Seniors Forum and through her electorate office.

“The Kit is a guide that brings together current information from a range of agencies and services to assist you in connecting with support agencies, local services, and community groups.”

“I want to ensure you know about the government organisations and programs that are available to support our seniors.”

All forum attendees received a copy of the booklet.