Latrobe Valley Express Monday 16 August 2021

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AGED CARE PLAN IS ON

By MICHELLE SLATER

LATROBE City is planning to privatise its in-home aged care services from next year after councillors agreed on the decision in a behind closed doors meeting in 2019. The move is raising concerns from Australian Services Union members who are distributing a petition in an effort to stop the plan from going ahead. The union is calling on Latrobe City to press pause on the move and to consult with the community. It comes after Latrobe City councillors decided to outsource the service in 2022 in an in-camera session held two years ago. Latrobe City employs more than 100 in-home aged care workers, but union members fear wages, working conditions and client welfare could be threatened under the decision. The ASU stated the private sector provides lower conditions than local governments, and employees could be pushed into precarious work on insecure short-term or casual contracts. The union pointed out the gaps in service delivery between government and forprofit services, in such areas as continuity of care, quality of communication and worker training.

ASU secretary Lisa Darmanin said Latrobe City should consult with its own in-home aged care workers before attempting to privatise the service. “Privatising in-home aged care services would risk the quality of services provided to older residents in the city of Latrobe and push already low-paid workers into insecure work,” Ms Darmanin said. “Some of the people in-home aged care workers care for are all alone, and without the continuity of care that council carers provide, their welfare could be at risk.” Traralgon woman Elaine Ketchion had used the Latrobe City service to care for her mother Eileen Cook, who needed some help with shopping and home duties. Ms Ketchion said she feared service recipients may not be able to develop a rapport with their carers under privatisation. “Older people need continuity rather than seeing a different person every week, they like to know who is coming and they get to trust them and the worker gets to know their requirements,” Ms Ketchion said.

Good to be back

Yinnar and Fish Creek players go up for the mark during a fierce first game out of lockdown for the Mid Gippsland Football Netball League on Saturday. Fish Creek won a thriller of a contest by five points. FULL COVERAGE - VALLEY SPORT photograph tom gannon

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