Family First calls for Mandatory Reporting of Abuse in Aged Care (Media Release)

Media Release SF/43. Wednesday March 15, 2006
Family First calls on the Government to immediately introduce mandatory reporting of abuse of residents in all aged care homes across the country.

Family First wants the Government to establish an 'Aged Care Hotline' in each state so staff at aged care homes, as well as residents and other visitors, can confidentially report suspected cases of abuse.

Elderly residents of aged care homes are among the most vulnerable people in our community and Family First believes we should be doing everything we can to protect them and ensure they are safe.

The Australian community must have confidence in its aged care system and must have confidence that the Federal Government, which is responsible for our aged care system, is doing all it can to safeguard the welfare of residents.

Family First is also calling for more random spot checks of aged care homes.

There is little point having inspections when aged care homes receive prior warning and staff can prepare in advance.

For the community to have confidence that aged care homes are of the highest standard, the Federal Government must ensure there are more random spot checks.

This way we can get a true picture of what is going on inside aged care homes and whether care and safety standards are up to scratch.

Family First believes 'care' is the most important part of Australia's aged care system. It is the Government's job to ensure we have the best aged care system in the world and that all residents are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

For media enquiries phone Chief of Staff Felicity Dargan on 0409 550 446