Local Federal Member for Dunkley, Bruce Billson, and the Assistant Minister for Social Services, Senator Mitch Fifield today attended a forum with 30 aged care providers from the Mornington Peninsula to discuss innovative initiatives for the aged care sector.

Mr Billson said the round table provided a great opportunity for the local ‘for profit’ and ‘not for profit’ aged care providers to bring important matters to the attention of Senator Fifield.

“More than 30 people attended the forum including three Commonwealth funded aged care service providers who have partnered together as a consortium to provide a broad range of aged care and related services across the Mornington Peninsula region in Victoria,” Mr Billson said.

“The consortium is the first of its kind in the electorate which combines services from Village Glen, Andrew Kerr Frail and Aged Care Centre and Village Baxter.

“It’s great to see the local aged care providers driving innovation to ensure clients and the community receive a high level of care,” Mr Billson said.

Senator Fifield said it was great to meet with local aged care providers on the eve of the 1 July aged care changes.

“The forum was very productive and attendees raised issues including 1 July changes, changing business models and options to help clients make the best choice when deciding which type of care suits their needs,” Senator Fifield said.

“The Australian Government is working to build a system that will offer choice and flexibility for consumers, and put control back into their hands, with more support at home to enable people to stay in their own homes and communities for as long as possible.”

Senator Fifield said earlier this year he and Mr Billson announced more than $340,000 in funding to deliver Home and Community Care Services in the electorate.

“The changes to aged care commencing on 1 July will help make our aged care system more efficient and flexible, better coordinated and consistent, and easier to navigate,” Senator Fifield said.

Further information on Aged Care services is available on the My Aged Care website www.myagedcare.gov.au, or by calling 1800 200 422.