5. LESLEY SOPER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Health
What significant recent announcements has he made for the aged-care sector?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) Link to this
Yesterday I announced the largest ever investment in the care and support of the elderly. Most of this will go to workers in the sector. It will enable high turnover of staff to be reduced, successful training to be established and expanded, and therefore the evolution of a more stable, better paid, and more skilled workforce.
In many respects providers are already keen to lift wages because the labour market is tight. New Zealand has amongst the lowest rates of unemployment in the world. However, I have also obliged district health boards to use contractual mechanisms to ensure the money flows, as they have in the past. In addition, I have stated that the future of the sector lies in collectivity, because home-based workers in particular are somewhat isolated.
Can the Minister confirm that New Zealand First made addressing issues in the elder-care sector a priority in its confidence and supply agreement with the Government, and that it is the second time in 2 years that New Zealand First has secured significant funding increases for this sector?