That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) 6 April 2004 is a national day of action for seniors, observed in order to raise issues of concern for older Australians,

(ii) the majority of older people are active and healthy, contributing to the community, pursuing leisure activities and family support, undertaking voluntary work, and living independently,

(iii) some 10 per cent of people aged over 70 years are presently in residential care, and

(iv) the need for residential care is substantially reduced for the frail or ill aged when there is effective community support; and

(b) calls on the Government to urgently address community concerns about ongoing viability and choice of residential care, as reflected in the withdrawal from the aged care sector of significant non-profit organisations, including the Salvation Army, by:

(i) immediately releasing the finalised Hogan Report on aged care funding, to inform the community prior to a government response through the Budget process,

(ii) responding to claims that the present indexation measure the Government uses to increase recurrent funding is inadequate, and

(iii) reporting on the take-up of aged care nursing scholarships and appropriate specialist accommodation for young people with high care needs.