By Bonny Burrows
McMillan MP Russell Broadbent has called out his own government for favouring large for-profit aged care providers.
The Federal MP said time and time again “local aged care heroes” such as Pakenham’s Millhaven Lodge were being unfairly overlooked for government funding for increased beds in favour larger chain providers.
“These not-for-profit organisations deserve equal if not more government support and I’m prepared to make some noise on behalf of my local community,” Mr Broadbent said.
In Parliament on Wednesday 22 March he highlighted Bunyip’s Hillview Aged Care as an example of a facility “run by local for locals” yet was missing out on funding.
He said the centre was first-class with excellent staff but “at the same time doesn’t get the same support of larger organisations”.
This funding shortage meant services had to turn away clients, he said, meaning locals were moving away for aged care services when they should remain at home.
“It’s not good enough for the not-for-profits who deserve our support.
“They give wonderful, amazing care and they give that care locally so people don’t have to move away from the area and their families for aged care.”
He said he believed the lack of bed allocations was due to government “not wanting to deal” with these providers.
“And I have to speak up for the smaller organisations who don’t have a voice in the corridors of power,” Mr Broadbent said.
