Tasmanian spoils

The Minister for Ageing visits Tasmania to announce the state’s results from last year’s ACAR round, promising an announcement soon on the new position of ‘Ambassador for Ageing’.

The Minister for Ageing pulled out the cheque book on her first official visit to Tasmania in her new role.

Speaking at Hawthorn Village, Justine Elliot announced that the Government would provide $2.6 million for three capital works projects on the apple isle as part of the 2007 Aged Care Allocations Round (ACAR).

The grants will help provide an upgrade to seven existing rooms and two new rooms at Tandara Lodge in Sheffield, a new dementia specific wing at North East Aminya Hostel in Scottsdale and a new 12-bed wing for the Hawthorn Village at Blackmans Bay.

“This is about keeping families closer together; when people retire or move into aged care facilities, they want to remain near their children and grandchildren,” said Mrs Elliot.

At the same time, the Minister announced 63 new residential aged care places for older Tasmanians at a total cost of $1.9 million a year.

“I look forward to working with aged care providers and local communities to deliver both the quality and appropriate quantity of aged care places that Tasmania needs,” she said.

The Minister also reiterated her Government’s commitment to raising the profile of othe nation’s senior citizens.

“To make sure that older Australians have a strong voice and a direct link into the Rudd Government, we look forward to soon announcing an Ambassador for Ageing, who will promote programs and activities to better meet the needs of older people,” she said.

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