Mileage money funded through axing subsidies

16 August 2005

Mileage money funded through axing subsidies

"The National Party's promise to re-fund mileage for home care workers traveling between clients using money saved by axing subsidies for adults under 65 to visit the doctor is giving with one hand and taking away with the other," said NZNO spokesperson Laila Harré today.

In his release of the $19 million policy today Don Brash seems to have matched Labour's Budget announcement in this area. However he has signaled that the money would be coming from that set aside to reduce the cost of doctor's visits for working adults.

The Government is already negotiating contracts with homecare providers which will be required to include a fair travel reimbursement policy, using new money committed in Budget 2005.

"It's good to see that National agrees with caregivers and the Government that travel should be reimbursed. We are concerned that they plan cuts in other areas to do so." Laila Harré said that while any money going into the sector was welcome, nurses and caregivers were still waiting for the major funding commitment that is needed to address low pay, poor training and inadequate staffing in residential aged care and home care.

ENDS

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