The Australian Greens said today that Aged Care in Western Australia would soon be in crisis if action isn't taken to address the viability of the sector.

"Federal Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot is trying to paint a rosy picture of Aged Care in Australia, claiming that more beds were sought than were available. However, this does not represent the true picture - which is of a sector on the edge of crisis. In Western Australia, less than half those available places were taken up, and the kinds of services on offer are not keeping up with the changing demand," said Senator Rachel Siewert today.

Transcript of Hansard (Question Time)

Senator Siewert: My question is to the Minister representing the Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Ludwig. The Minister for Health and Ageing recently appointed Mr Barry Williams of the Lone Fathers Association as one of the ambassadors for the national men's health policy.

The Senate today passed an Australian Greens' motion calling for a review of national policies and funding for HIV programs.

"I'm pleased the Senate supported my motion, calling on the Government to review the national policies and funding on research, education and prevention programs in order to reverse the current upward trend in the rate of HIV infections," said Australian Greens health spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert.

"Today marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, instituted by the World Health Organisation to raise public awareness about AIDS and to promote support and understanding for people living with HIV/AIDS."

The Australian Greens today joined calls for a long term nationally funded skin cancer prevention campaign, supporting the Cancer Council of Australia's campaign.

"Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. More than 1,600 Australians die from skin cancer each year, with skin cancers making up 80 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers. Almost a million visits to GPs each year are for the treatment of preventable non-melanoma skin cancers," said Australian Greens spokesperson on health, Senator Rachel Siewert.

The Rudd Government needs to significant increase funding for Indigenous health if we are to have chance of to Closing the Gap, said the Australian Greens today.

"The 17 year gap in life expectancy between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians has long been an international embarrassment, and a new report tells us it will take up to 100 years to rectify with the Government's current level of funding," said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.