The Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) has hailed the passing of the new Aged Care Act today as a historic moment for Australia’s ageing population.
After the Senate passed the Aged Care Bill on Friday, the Lower House enshrined the Act into law today.
A new rights-based Aged Care Act was the number one recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, while also delivering on dozens of other recommendations. It was fully supported by aged care providers.
“This truly is an historic moment in Australia’s aged care reform journey,” said ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson.
“Our elected politicians should be congratulated on reaching rare bipartisan support for these landmark reforms.”
“Australia’s population is ageing and we need to be ready, not only for the influx of Australian’s needing care, but to meet the expectations of care and choice of services that they will demand, and should expect of the sector.”
Given the sheer scope of changes under the new Act, providers need realistic transition times and support to implement these vital reforms.
“The number one priority for aged care providers is to improve the lives of older Australians, but they also face a mammoth task in transitioning,” Mr Symondson said.
“We can’t have a situation where parts of the new Act are implemented, with mandated requirements that simply can’t be achieved due to a lack of lead time.”
“Failure would have a disastrous impact on the confidence of the sector. Everyone wants this reform to succeed, but that means a staged approach to implementation should be adopted. We only get one chance to get this right.”
The new Act replaces the previous Aged Care Act, which was drafted back in 1997.
“We congratulate Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler, and Aged Care Minister Anika Wells for driving these historic reforms.”
“Opposition leader Peter Dutton and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Anne Ruston should also be commended, for putting older people above politics, passing the Act with bipartisan support.
Currently more than half of aged care providers are losing money on every resident, while home care, which needs to grow substantially to keep up with demand, is variable at best.
“We hope reforms under the new Act will bring sustainable financial security, so we can grow a sector that’s vibrant and meets the needs of Australia’s ageing population,” Mr Symondson said.
