STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr CHAFFEY (Parkes) (13:45): It was great news to hear that close to $56.5 million in funding has been allocated to three aged-care providers in the Parkes electorate through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program. Notably, Southern Cross Care received $50.66 million for a new 94-bed residential care home in Broken Hill, a facility that is desperately needed; the Lilliane Brady Village Hostel, in Cobar, was allocated just over $1.5 million; and the Cooinda aged-care facility in Coonabarabran was allocated $4.3 million.

We're all aware that Australia's population is ageing. The Australian Human Rights Commission notes that an ageing population is one of the major forces shaping Australia's future. In addition, the Australian Electoral Commission notes that rural and regional electorates, such as the Parkes electorate, have higher proportions of people over the age of 50.

Our ageing population deserve security of housing and deserve security of care. Having said that, I know the competition is fierce for the limited funding that is only going to get more competitive. So much time, resources and effort go into applying for funds needed to provide these essential projects, with no guarantee of success.

Well done to the aged-care providers in Broken Hill, Cobar and Coonabarabran as well as to all of those who applied and weren't successful. Providing enough funding to keep up with aged-care needs for those who have given so much to our communities must remain a high priority for government.