? RAUiTRAL3ATL
FOR PRESS JUNE 6, 1976 1
INQUIRY INTO CARE OF THE AGED AND THE INFIRM
The Government has set up a committee to inquire into
Federal programs for the care of the aged and the infirm.
The Committee comprises:
Mr Austin Holmes ( Chairman), Department
of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Dr Sidney Sax, ( Hospitals and Health
Services Commission) Department of Health
SMr Keith Medbury, Department of Social
Security
Mr Neil Hyden, Department of the Treasury.
The Government is concerned to meet pressing needs both
effectively and efficiently. The Committee will be
primarily concerned with the scope for rationalising
the large number of existing Federal programs in this
area. The Government has noted the view expressed in recent
reports tha @ programs aimed at the aged and the infirm
have been launched without reference to an overall framework
or philosophy.
In bringing forward its recommendations the Committee will
pay close attention-to previous reports in this area; notably
those by the Social Welfare Commission and the Commission
of Inquiry into Poverty. The Committee will consult as
appropriate with concerned organisations, community groups
and individuals.
The Committee's terms of reference are attached.
COMYMITTEE ON CARE OF THE AGED AND THE INFIRM
TERMS OF REFERENCE
() The Committee shall examine and report onthe
effectiveness and efficiency of
existing Government programs and
arrangements for the provision of care
for the aged and the infirm, including
those programs concerned with aged
persons homes and hostels, nursing homes
and domiciliary nursing care;
the appropriate role of the Commonwealth
Government bearing in mind the
responsibility of S1tate and Local
Governments and the activities of
voluntary agencies;
the relationship between programs for
the aged and the infirm and other health
and welfare programs.
Against the background of the Government's objective
o-E providing assistance to those most in need while
encouraging self reliance and participation at the
local level, thie Committee shall have regard in
particular to
the scope for greater coherence in planning
new programs and for the rationalisation
of existing arrangements, including the
examination of possible new approaches;
the scope for economies in Commonwealth
Goye rnment expenditure without compromising
desirdble long term arrangements.
The Committee shall include in its consideration
available analyses and recommendations in previous
reports presented to Goviernments in this area.
After consultation with the Minister for Social
Security and the Minister for Health, the Committee
shall report to the Prime Minister.
The Committee is expected to report as soon as
possible, preferably by 30 September 1976.-An
interim report should be presented by. 9 July.