A STATE funding brush-off has left a new Geelong facility for dementia patients with a $400,000 shortfall, according to an Opposition MP.
Annie O’Malley House had a “strong argument” for funding from the Victorian Government, said Member for Western Victoria Simon Ramsay.
The Commonwealth had contributed $500,000 and the previous Coalition State Government provided “seed funding” of $25,000 but its Labor replacement had ruled out any contribution, he said.
Multicultural Aged Care Services (MACS) needs $2 million to complete Annie O’Malley House, a dementia wing of the organisation’s North Geelong centre.
“MACS has approached Member for Lara John Eren and the Minister for Housing, Disability and Ageing (Martin Foley) and they have both said the facility should be funded by the Commonwealth as the state has no money for this project,” Mr Ramsay said.
“There is a strong argument that the state should play a funding role, given that MACS provides a regional service that fills a service gap that is unique to the Geelong region.
“I suggested to MACS that we have discussions with the Andrews Government about providing the funding and I gave an assurance that I would do what I could to support this request.”
Mr Ramsay said he had invited Mr Foley to meet him and MACS to discuss the funding stand-off.
“I suggested to MACS that we have discussions with the Andrews Government about providing the funding, and I gave an assurance that I would do what I could to support this request.
“I have now invited the Minister to accompany me to meet with MACS and discuss how the State Government could provide $400,000 to fully fund the construction of the dementia wing,” Mr Ramsay said.
Mr Foley rejected Mr Ramsay’s funding call, saying aged care was primarily a federal responsibility.
“The Andrews Labor Government is committed to improving the situation of Victorians with chronic illnesses, so that they can live more fulfilling lives. That’s why we stopped the Liberals’ aged care sell-off,” he said.
“Mr Ramsay has no shame. His party cut more than $1 billion from health, which had a savage impact on aged care services.
“Mr Ramsay knows he should be criticising his Liberal colleagues in Canberra who have primary responsibility for aged care.“
