Thursday, 31 July 2025

Ministers statements: aged care

Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:06): I rise to update the house on how the Allan Labor government continues to invest to deliver high-quality aged care for our regional communities. Over the winter break I was thrilled to join the Treasurer and member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes to officially welcome the first residents to the brand new $57 million Glenview community care nursing home in Rutherglen. Built with dignity, independence and connection in mind, this new facility will operate 50 beds, provide a dementia-friendly environment and mean more residents can age in place. This is particularly important for regional communities like Rutherglen, and it will allow residents to remain close to support networks and maintain family and community connections.

Victorians deserve to age with dignity and respect, and this modern facility in Rutherglen will enable just that. The Allan Labor government is very proud of our investment in public sector residential aged care services, and we are committed to ensuring that all older people are able to access high-quality and safe services that are appropriate for their needs. That is why this week we have introduced legislation that will mean only registered and enrolled nurses are able to administer specific medicines in aged care residences, reducing the risk of medicine-related issues. These changes are about putting the safety of residents first and recognising the high-quality care that our nurses in Victoria deliver every day.

Ahead of Aged Care Employee Day on 7 August, I want to acknowledge the incredible commitment of all aged care workers that support older Victorians across the state, including rural and regional areas. I want to thank the magnificent staff at Glenview for showing us around the new facility and for their compassion, professionalism and care.