Celebrating its re-election, the Western Australian Labor government led by Premier Roger Cook has announced several new portfolio allocations, including a dedicated ministry for aged care and seniors designed to deliver more aged care places and free up hospital beds.
Simone McGurk has been appointed as the new minister for aged care and seniors, telling Australian Ageing Agenda that quality, affordable and appropriate aged care is important to all families across WA and their focus will be ensuring they advocate to the federal government and support the sector to deliver real choice for Western Australians.
“In the absence of a suitable aged care place, many people end up in hospital for extended periods of time,” McGurk told AAA. “I can’t imagine there would be any person who would want to be in hospital if they don’t need to be there.”
The state government wants to support older people to maintain their wellbeing and independence in the community, she said.
“I plan to work with advocacy groups, service providers and older people themselves to ensure our state remains a great place for older West Australians to live.”
The appointment follows the release of WA’s State Seniors Strategy in April 2023 – a 10-year strategy to support older Western Australians – and an action plan for the first five years, which is inclusive of a campaign to tackle ageism in WA.
Mr Cook said: “New portfolios of preventative health, health infrastructure and aged care and seniors will reduce demand on our hospitals over the long term and ensure Western Australians continue to live in the healthiest state in Australia.”
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