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In the New South Wales town of Oberon, Mayor Keith Sullivan has expressed concerned that the recent leadership change in the Labor party and a possible early election will delay the Shire’s efforts to secure more aged care beds for its residents.

The 88 new bed licenses sought are crucial for a proposed new aged care centre, with a minimum of 60 needed.  Set to be operated by aged care provider Colombia Homes, the new centre would include 30 low care and 30 high care beds. 

Cr Sullivan says that they have “been pushing for an early decision” on their application, and was told that such a judgment would be made in November.  The leadership change, compounded with a possible early election, would make this “a very difficult time” for the Department of Ageing to reach a decision on Oberon’s bid.

Should the application for licenses by Colombia Homes fail, it is believed that not-for-profit aged care provider has also expressed interest in opening a 75-bed aged care facility in Oberon to service the district’s needs. 

Oberon Council and its Aged Care Committee have strongly pushed for the aged care bed licenses since the Federal Government opened a second round of applications in January.  Cr Sullivan has previously stated that the priority of any new facility would be for high care patients, as they are the patients who are “having to leave town to be taken care of”.  There have been concerned that, despite this, the majority of residents in need would not be able to afford the bond to enter the new facility. 

What sort of effect do you think the recent shakeup in leadership and the looming election will have on future aged care services in Australia?  Voice your opinion and be heard on our Twitter feed or Facebook page!