BILL SHORTEN MP

SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE NDIS

SHADOW MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES

MEMBER FOR MARIBYRNONG

KRISTY MCBAIN MP
MEMBER FOR EDEN-MONARO

An Albanese Labor Government will provide $1 million to Respite Care Queanbeyan to help get the much-needed facility up and running sooner.

Shadow Minister for the NDIS and Government Services, Bill Shorten, joined Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain to reiterate Labor’s commitment to the facility.

Respite Care Queanbeyan has already secured funding to build the facility, with works expected to commence later this year. Labor’s investment will cover the initial operational costs of the centre to help it get off the ground and establish itself in the community. 

Covering these initial running costs will enable the six-bedroom facility to open its doors without worrying about how they will get through their first year of operations.

Queanbeyan locals have been pushing for a respite centre for years. Yvonne Cuschieri House will provide short-term residential respite care for people aged between 18 and 60 who are suffering from a terminal or chronic illness.

Labor has also committed to working closely with the centre to develop an ongoing sustainable funding model to ensure the facility remains within the community for many years to come.

Attributable to Kristy McBain, Member for Eden-Monaro:

“Young people in Queanbeyan shouldn’t be forced into an aged care facility when they are seriously ill,” Kristy said.

“This project is incredibly important to the Queanbeyan community and I’m proud to commit $1 million so we are one step closer to seeing Respite Care in Queanbeyan come to fruition.

“While it’s great this project is nearing completion, the stark reality is for the centre to operate it needs funding to help it run when the doors open for the first time. This $1 million will ensure the centre is fully funded for its first year of operation, but I know the work is not done.

“I am committed to seeing a fully operational respite care centre for the long run in Queanbeyan and will continue to advocate for this important service to ensure the young people in our community get the care that they need.”

Attributable to Bill Shorten, Shadow Minister for the NDIS and Government Services:

“This respite facility will be a positive step for young people who need support and should not have to go into aged care,” Mr Shorten said.

“Of the approximately 3000 young Australians with disability living in aged care facilities, at least a third have expressed a desire to leave. Labor believes this is a gross underestimation of the real data.

“Young people need better and age-appropriate accommodation options and Labor is committed to making this happen.”