PENNY SHARPE MLC
SHADOW MINISTER FOR FAMILY & COMMUNITY SERVICES
JO HAYLEN MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR SENIORS & VOLUNTEERS
NSW Labor has called for the Berejiklian Government to work urgently with the Morrison Government and implement strong measures to protect 61,000 aged care residents and essential staff.
It comes as the number of
cases in NSW aged care facilities continues to growand revelations that support
for residents and staff has been lacking at facilities impacted by
COVID-19.
Analysis of national cases shows that NSW has recorded 53 of Australia’s 55
COVID-19 cases in residential care. Tragically, 11 of the 12 aged care
fatalities have been in NSW.
There are over
860 aged care facilities in NSW. As aged care
clusters emerge, there are critical staff shortages putting lives at risk.
Aged care residents and staff need more support.
Labor has called for urgent action from the Government to work
directly with the Commonwealth to ensure stronger protocols and prevent
future tragedies through:
1. Priority
testing in aged care facilities: including through COVID-19 screening and
temperature checks for all staff
2. Increased personal protective equipment (PPE)
3. Guaranteed paid special leave for aged care workers: remove
any barriers to testing for people in casual or insecure work, including
guaranteed paid special leave for those who test positive
Shadow Minister for
Family and Community Services Penny Sharpe said “We need to act urgently to
protect our vulnerable aged residents and those valuable staff who care for
them.
“Over 96% of residential aged care cases have been in NSW, the Government needs
to act urgently.
“We need to learn from the tragic cases at the Dorothy Henderson, Opal
and Newmarch facilities.
NSW has more than 61,000 aged care residents across 860 residential facilities.
Shadow Minister for Seniors Jo Haylen added “No effort can be spared to protect
seniors and aged care workers.
“We need to prevent future outbreaks, our 61,000 aged care residents deserve
nothing less.
“We all know someone in aged care, they are our parents and neighbours, our
veterans and mentors. The Government needs to do whatever it can to prevent
future outbreaks and save lives.”
WEDNESDAY, 22 APRIL 2020
