In his first speech to the new Parliament Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey has called on the Albanese Government to move quickly and match the Coalition’s $10m commitment to Helping Hand in Whyalla to extend and upgrade the Yeltana and Copper House Court facilities.
“While the Coalition committment was not matched by the Labor Party during the campaign, it makes little difference now,” he said.
“Whyalla needs capital investment in aged care facilities and we need assurance that Helping Hand is prepared to make a long-term commitment in the city.
“The closure of Annie Lockwood was a difficult time for Whyalla and its residents.
“It has left the city with an undersupply of residential places and, along with the Covid pandemic, highlighted the need for investment and improvement in the remaining facilities.
“I said at the time that the first thing we needed to do was to bring in new management and then we would concentrate on attracting the investment needed to bring out facilities in Whyalla up speed.
“The arrival of Helping Hand has stabilised a fragile service in Whyalla and I was very pleased to assist in securing generous support from the previous government to facilitate the change in management.
“Now we are ready to take the next step, to lock Helping Hand into a long-term commitment in Whyalla, and the $10m committed by the Coalition is exactly what is needed right now.
“If that support is not forthcoming and if we were to lose Helping Hand from Whyalla it is difficult to see where we might find another operator at this stage.
“I have raised the issue directly with Aged Care Minister Mark Butler and I am hoping he will take the issue seriously and move quickly.”
28 July 2022
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 8633 1744
