Kevin Rudd visits SCCQ at Holland Park

When Member for Griffith, Kevin Rudd, visited the Southern Cross Care Holland Park site, Archbishop Duhig Court there was much going on for him to observe and discuss. Mr Rudd was visiting residential care homes in his electorate to find out more about the future of funding for aged care and, in particular, aged care facilities. Before getting down to the serious business, Mr Rudd talked with many of the staff and residents. Mr Rudd was pleased to find that he knew a few residents living at the home, from when he was a young man studying at the Ursuline College in Canberra. He also befriended one particular resident whose granddaughter was thrilled to see her ‘Nonna’ laughing and kidding with the former Prime Minister.

Therese O’Shaughnessy, Facility Manager at the Holland Park complex said, ‘All the residents were very proud to meet Mr Rudd and many photos were taken. He took time to talk with staff, asking about their roles and time worked at the home.’

When it came time to find out more about the issues facing aged care in relation to funding, Mr Rudd took time to hear from Susan Lane, General Manager Residential Aged Care at Southern Cross Care (Qld) and Mrs O’Shaughnessy. Mrs Lane said, ‘it was encouraging to think that Mr Rudd seems to have a genuine interest in how the reforms may affect our operations especially in regard to suggested changes to some of the funding arrangements. He was particularly interested to hear that the redevelopment program at Holland Park is being undertaken by Southern Cross Care without additional government financial assistance.’

Mr Rudd said he ‘had a great time visiting with the staff and residents and to be on the ground finding out about funding issues that will impact on aged care.’