Media Release
17 October 2024
The Young People In Nursing Homes National Alliance today called for the amendment of eligibility provisions in the new Aged Care Bill that will see young Australians placed in residential aged care once again.
‘Over the last 20 years, governments have committed millions of dollars to prevent young people with disability being inappropriately placed in nursing homes, said Alliance head, Dr Bronwyn Morkham.
‘We’ve had bipartisan support from state and federal governments and overwhelming community endorsement to end this practice.
‘Yet, the Aged Care Bill overturns these commitments and – for the first time – legislates the placement of young Australians with disability who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or from First Nations backgrounds, in aged care nursing homes.
‘Not only will young people be condemned to a system that the Aged Care Royal Commission said was never intended to support them, but the services that would otherwise be delivering their care will have no incentive to do so.
Dr Morkham urged the Albanese government to act immediately to finally stop young Australians being forced into an aged care system that is not designed to support them.
For media
Dr Bronwyn Morkham
National Director, YPINHNA
M: 0437 178 078
E: bronwyn@ypinh.org.au
