the Aged Care Today magazine featured articles

Since beginning my role in November 2024, I have been privileged to build on the outstanding work of my predecessor, Dr. Graeme Blackman AO, and to continue working with the highly skilled governing body that has greatly contributed to the aged care sector in Australia.

Our Board is committed to reflecting the diverse needs of our membership, representing both large and small operators across residential and home care, seniors housing and retirement living. By understanding the varying experiences and challenges our members face, we are better positioned to foster innovation and improve the quality of care.

Looking ahead to 2025, we are poised for significant reforms, including the new Aged Care Act and the launch of the Support at Home Program. While advocacy remains a key part of our role, our focus will broaden to include policy analysis and strategic debate that will shape the future of aged care.

Previously, our attention was directed toward securing adequate funding and workforce capacity to ensure high-quality person-centred care. We have made great strides in these areas, with significant contributions arising from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, but our efforts will continue.

Now, as we look to the future, we must also focus on broader policy principles and funding strategies that will guide our sector for the next decade and beyond.

As the complexity of care increases, especially with more frail individuals accessing residential aged care, we will focus on the interface between aged care and health sectors.

This is a critical area, as it is essential to create seamless care pathways between hospitals and residential aged care services while navigating the interactions between state and federal funding. Our goal will be to ensure that individuals with complex needs, particularly those with cognitive decline, receive the best care possible.

Another area of interest is the expanding role of independent care services in supporting older Australians who wish to remain living at home. We will continue to explore how to provide equitable access to support, ensuring that older people maintain their dignity, contribute to their families and remain active in their communities.

We can also learn from international approaches to elder care, bringing valuable insights into the Australian context. We will bring this strategic objective to life for our members through a range of international partnerships with organisations such as Ageing Asia. Additionally, we recognise the need to better support Indigenous Australians in their care needs and will work to address these important challenges.

The Board values your perspectives on these key policy and strategy areas. As reforms continue, we will remain adaptable in supporting our members and maintaining their trust. A strong working relationship with stakeholders will be crucial in fostering informed discussions about the future of aged care.

Our Board is committed to supporting the Ageing Australia team as we work together toward a shared vision.

I am excited to represent Ageing Australia, a respected peak body, and to help it continue to grow and make a lasting difference in the lives of all Australians.