Ignoring the needs of older people who live independently at home, Maribyrnong City Council
has made a behind closed doors decision to outsource in-home aged care services.

The Australian Services Union has slammed Maribyrnong councillors for the decision that will
impact the lives of older people across the municipality.

ASU branch secretary Lisa Darmanin said Maribyrnong councillors had ignored the needs of
older people by choosing to walk away from in-house aged care.

“There was absolutely no need for this decision, Maribyrnong could continue to provide
essential aged care services while the Royal Commission into Aged Care is going on” Ms
Darmanin said.

“Last night councillors were advised that Council’s operating position had improved and the
Victorian Auditor-General’s Office has previously reported on the strong financial position of
Maribyrnong.”

“Any claim by councillors or council officers that this decision was needed to protect Council’s
financial stability is just not true.”

“This decision is a slap in the face to dedicated council workers who provide the services older
people rely on every day.”

“Councillors who voted to outsource in-home aged care services will be remembered for
pushing women employed by council into insecure work.”

“The high regard in the community for council in-home aged care services is solely due to the
outstanding home care workers at councils.”

“The union will be looking closely at this decision and doing everything we can to protect
secure in-home aged care jobs at Hobsons Bay and Maribyrnong.”

“The ASU will fight every day for high quality services and the hard working people who deliver
them,” Ms Darmanin said.

Concerned with the secret in-camera decision making of Maribyrnong City Council, the ASU is
considering making a complaint to the Victorian Ombudsman.