ANMF questions ‘transparency’ in MYEFO aged care funding

17 December 2019

With no laws in place to guarantee transparency in aged care funding, Australian taxpayers can’t be assured that $624 million (over four years) allocated for the sector in the 2019 MYEFO will actually be used by nursing home operators to provide quality care for residents, according to the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF).

The ANMF also questions how the Government can claim that the funding, in response to the Interim Report of the Royal Commission, builds on ‘recent improvements to standards, oversight, funding, and transparency in the care of older Australians’, when only 11 days ago it cynically blocked an Aged Care Legislation Amendment (New Commissioner Functions) Bill 2019 – which was seeking transparency and accountability for the billions of dollars in taxpayer-funding received by nursing home operators.

“Privately-operated aged care providers receive between 70-80% of their funding from the Australian taxpayer, but with no current laws in place, they are free to spend public funds however they choose. This means that the taxpayer won’t know exactly where the $624 million in the MYEFO for aged care is being allocated or importantly, if it’s flowing through to the care of vulnerable, older Australians in nursing homes,” ANMF Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, said today.

“Some providers may be struggling financially, particularly those in rural and regional areas, but with the Government failing to introduce legislated transparency and accountability requirements for aged care funding, we don’t know whether they will receive the funds they need.

“As we know, last year the ANMF commissioned Tax Justice Network Report Tax Avoidance by For-Profit Aged Care Companies: Profit Shifting on Public Funds examined tax avoidance in the aged care sector, showing how Australia’s top six for-profit aged care providers, some with foreign ownership, posted enormous profits whilst taking advantage of AUD $2.17 billion in Australian taxpayer funded subsidies, using various loopholes, corporate structures and discretionary trusts to avoid paying their fair share of tax.

“Whilst the MYEFO funding for additional home care packages aims to reduce the 100,000 people still languishing on waiting lists, we cannot be sure that this aim will be achieved. It also does nothing to ease the suffering and neglect of those older Australians already living in residential care, as result of the chronic understaffing in nursing homes.

“With no Government guarantees attached or requirements to demonstrate the use of taxpayer-funding for aged care, the quality and quantity of care able to be provided to residents continues to be diminished.”
 

ANMF media release authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne. 

The ANMF, with 275,500 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing in Australia.

ANMF media inquiries: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390

Share this story

Stay aware and up to date with industry issues

Receive the latest ANMF news, media and campaign updates direct to your inbox.

By submitting this form you agree to receive electronic messages from the ANMF and have read our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe any time

Read More

Media Releases

Stay up to date with the latest media releases from the ANMF.

Related

Southern Cross Care Tasmania Delay Decision Making Amid Growing Staffing Crisis

News Southern Cross Care Tasmania Delay Decision Making Amid Growing Staffing Crisis

03 March 2023

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Tasmanian Branch are increasingly concerned about the safety and ...

Read more

Member Update on the Aged Care Work Value Case

News Member Update on the Aged Care Work Value Case

28 February 2023

Aged Care Work Value Case – a big win to increase award wages – ANMF will be working to ensure the final outcome for al...

Read more

Southern Cross Care concede to flawed consultation – while Enrolled Nurses remain in limbo

News Southern Cross Care concede to flawed consultation – while Enrolled Nurses remain in limbo

13 January 2023

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Tasmanian Branch attended the subsequent Fair Work Commission ...

Read more