Yesterday hundreds of HSU members and supporters stood out front of Parliament House to tell the Federal Government to Change Aged Care. Many of you who couldn’t make it to Canberra phoned Scott Morrison’s office to tell him the same thing.

After many years of fighting, I think finally our message has been received loud and clear. We are too loud and too big to ignore. But the question is – will the Federal Government act?

At 7:30pm tonight, the Federal Government will hand down its budget. This is the budget it claims will address the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission, and in its view will deliver dignity and respect in caring for older Australians. This is the budget we have been waiting for.

Tonight I will be watching the Treasurer, and if he and his government are good on their word, he will deliver:

• Increased wages to all aged care workers.
• Mandated safe staffing levels.
• Increased training and career opportunities.
• Sustainable and transparent funding.

Anything less and this Government has failed.

For members who can’t watch tonight or want more details about the budget, you are invited to a zoom meeting tomorrow afternoon at 3:30pm. We will assess the budget, what it means for you, and for the residents you care for.

You can join the zoom meeting here: https://zoom.us/j/92252014108

Finally, I want to thank every member who has ever signed a petition, called a politician, hopped on a bus, rallied, taken a selfie. Every action of every member has kept the fight to Change Aged Care alive. I know HSU members won’t give up until we win.