Source: Young People In Nursing Homes National Alliance

"...AUSTRALIA TALKS BACK deals with the YPINH issue!..."

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ATB recently devoted an entire program to the Young People In Nursing Homes issue. National Alliance members Bronwyn Morkham (Project Officer for the YPINH National Project) and Alan Backwood (Manager of Policy and Community Partnerships with the MS Society of Victoria) were invited to speak about the national nature of the issue and the urgent need for action.

In addition to Commonwealth leadership, Alan and Bronwyn also spoke of the need for a partnership approach that would see the States and Territories working together with the Commonwealth to develop sustainable solutions to the crisis, and indicated the Alliance's determination to secure a firm commitment to act on the issue from all major political parties in the leadup to the Federal election.

Political comments were provided by Senator Brian Greig of the Australian Democrats and the Hon. Julie Bishop, Federal Minister for Ageing.

Senator Greig indicated his party's concern about the lack of accommodation and care options available to the more than 6000 young Australians who currently live in aged care nursing homes and the Democrat's determination to pursue a parliamentary inquiry in the Commonwealth Parliament.

In responding to Senator Greig's comments, Minister Bishop indicated that the Commonwealth was already doing more than it was required to do and called on the Sates and Territories to 'assume their responsibilities'. Given the earlier onair discussion about the need to put political and jurisdictional differences aside and for both tiers of government to work in partnership to develop sustainable solutions, the Minister's response was particularly disappointing.

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