SOLUTION IN SIGHT FOR OBERON AGED-CARE CRISIS
September 5, 2007

Macquarie Labor Candidate Bob Debus today expressed optimism that a solution to the aged-care crisis in Oberon would be found following a public meeting this week.

Mr Debus said it was clear that residents and councillors were committed to resolving the problem that has forced many elderly people to leave Oberon to access aged-care accommodation.

“This is a huge wrench for everyone in the family and should not be necessary,” said Mr Debus.

“It was obvious at the meeting that the people of Oberon care very deeply about this issue, so I am delighted that Oberon Council has been able to attract the serious interest of a not-for-profit developer.

“I am optimistic that a solution will now be found. I am also pleased that the Federal Government has indicated that it would license new beds.

“But it’s clear that one of the problems has been with the method of assessing accommodation needs across very large regions. This means that smaller towns are left without enough aged-care beds.

“For instance, even though there may be the required number of beds in the Central West, their location in Lithgow, Bathurst and other towns is unsatisfactory for Oberon residents.”

Mr Debus said the ALP’s new policy for aged-care accommodation and transitional care would change the planning process for bed allocations by focusing on local government areas.

“This new policy also sets up a $300 million fund to help with the development of aged-care beds in areas of need,” said Mr Debus. “So I am confident that a Labor Government would support a developer in Oberon.

“It is vital for the future of Oberon’s older generation that this situation be dealt with in a bipartisan manner. The needs older people in Oberon should not be the subject of sniping between political parties or State and Federal Governments.”

“Gerard Martin, the State Labor Member for Bathurst, is working with the Lithgow Council and local businesses to boost the economy with this project. I am committed to working with them towards the same goal.”