Labor has promised $5 million to the Maggie Beer Foundation, among other measures to improve nutrition in aged care, if it wins the May 21 Federal Election.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese (pictured, with Maggie Beer) has said that, if elected, Labor will work with aged care providers and other stakeholders in order to develop and implement new food standards for residential aged care homes.
According to Mr Albanese, these standards will be supported by “workable guidelines, education programs, and easy compliance”.
“An Albanese Labor government will work with the Maggie Beer Foundation, its Alliance partners and other stakeholders – all of whom have already done great work promoting the importance of good food in aged care.
“This will include funding the development of training and education for key staff to ensure every aged care resident gets the nutritious and flavoursome food they need and deserve,” he said.
Labor has also promised mandatory reporting rules to ensure the Basic Daily Fee is used on care and nutrition, and will require public reporting on care, nutrition, food and kitchen staff expenditures.
The Maggie Beer Foundation last year founded an “Alliance of the Willing” to push for better nutrition in aged care.
