The new Aged Care Act is a once in a generation chance to get reform right and will replace the current Act, which has been in place since 1997.
“For decades, aged care reform has been put in the too hard basket, but now we’re entering an age of change. A new rights-based Aged Care Act was a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and welcomed by our members. It will be a vital piece of the puzzle moving forward,” said ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson.
“This is a once in a generation chance to get the new legislation right, so we have to make the most of the consultation process with the Government. Our members deliver care to older people in every corner of this nation, across the breadth and diversity of aged care services. “
“We will be tapping into their insights to inform legislative design that meets the desired outcomes as intended, supporting a sector that can meet aged care demand now and into the future.”
Subject to finalisation, and passage through parliament, the new Aged Care Act is planned to start on 1 July 2024, replacing existing legislation, including the current Aged Care Act and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission Act (2018).
The Government has released the exposure draft for feedback and input from key stakeholders and the public, although a number of sections are yet to be drafted.
“We’ve been engaging the Government on the new Act and look forward to further discussions to make sure we get it right. We welcome the Minister’s comments today on the release of the draft legislation that the Government’s objectives are to see ‘An aged care system that is accessible for everyone no matter their background or location.’ Our members deliver aged care services across Australia and will be able to contribute meaningfully to this consultation process to achieve these aims,” Mr Symondson said.
“Critical to the success of the new Act will be ensuring the timeframes are achievable, including transition periods for various reforms, so that the sector can implement the changes as intended.”
“With over half of residential aged care providers already losing money and the financial position of home and community care providers trending down, getting the funding right will also be essential to building sustainable aged care, with an ageing Australian population.”
Mr Symondson is a member of the Government’s Aged Care Taskforce charged with finding solutions to the crisis facing aged care funding.
Aged Care Minister Anika Wells will chair the Taskforce’s last meeting on Friday 15 December 2023.
