DON’T CUT AGED CARE – KEEP IT COUNCIL

Council home carers’ jobs are under threat. For several years there has been funding uncertainty. Employment insecurity takes its toll and despite funding extensions many carers in Councils are doing it tough, with some Council’s seeking to reduce carer’s minimum hours.

The ASU has been working with members to defend their jobs and the conditions they have achieved for the care industry. The ASU has successfully lobbied for the inclusion of commitments in the National ALP Platform to further block funding and achieved a State Government commitment to exempt Council care from Competitive Neutrality Policy.

Recently Maribyrnong and Hobsons bay Councils voted to outsource their service to a new provider which we believe will lead to an erosion of employment conditions and quality of care to the community. The risk of Councils losing essential Council care is real and everyone needs to be prepared to take action now.

Happily, an extension of Commonwealth funding for Home care has been achieved for a further two years. However we know that there are a number of CEOs and Directors who want home care off the books. Care for community and the public interest are not their concerns.

We are taking this issue into the Federal election campaign to make sure the community knows that high quality Council provided care is at risk.

Give your Federal Member or candidate a call during the campaign and ask whether they support secure funding for in-home aged care and quality jobs?

Tell us your Council aged care story

Everyone has an older relative in their life that needs their support at some point. For years Councils have helped families support their elderly to remain in their homes. If you have a story about the value of Council care that your family members have received contact ASU Lead Organiser Jane Karslake on jkarslake@asuvictas.com.au or register your support below.