The United Services Union are seriously concerned Kiama Council continues down the path of privatisation selling off the homes of aged care residents at Bonaira Aged Care.
Despite going to the recent State Election with a policy of ending the privatisation of public assets, NSW Local Government Minister Ron Hoenig has failed to block the reclassification allowing a transfer of the Community land land to a private entity to profiteer on aged care services , effectively green lighting the sale of the aged care facility.
USU General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM said the State Government ignored the needs of residents and are about to expose Kiama rate-payers to a future of ever growing rates to cover operational costs.
“The rezoning of this community land to residential will now give the Council what it has been pursuing for so long, the chance to sell this community asset,” Mr Kelly said.
“We have outlined to the NSW Government and explained how this Council has not complied with the Government’s correction orders however no action has been taken to stop the privatisation.”
“Kiama Council needs to be held accountable for its actions, instead they are being ignored effectively allowing the sale of aged care homes to go ahead.”
“Kiama Council and the NSW Government should support the findings of the Aged Care Royal Commission which found publicly-owned aged care facilities deliver the best results for older people.”
“We are calling on the Local Government Minister to step in and block any sale of this community land in order to keep this aged care facility in public ownership.”
“This is not the time for another review, or report. What’s needed here is action before this important publicly-owned asset is lost forever.”
Media contact: Rudi Oppitz 0409 662 460
