the Aged Care Today magazine featured articles

During the last sitting period of 2024, the Aged Care Bill was passed by the Senate and then by the Lower House, in accordance with protocol, to the delight of everyone who has worked hard to advocate for change – including those who brought forward testimonies in public hearings to shed light on the state of aged care in Australia.

Based on these insights and a swathe of other information, 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.

What is important to note is that these recommendations were fully supported by aged care providers, many of them already innovating and exceeding quality standards.

“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.

“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.”

Australia’s population is ageing and we need to be ready, not only for the influx of Australians needing care, but to meet the expectations of care and choice of services that they will demand, and should expect of the sector.

While older people represent a diverse group with different socioeconomic backgrounds, there is a trend towards independent living as well as a demand for luxury inclusions and particular lifestyle offerings in aged care settings.

By legislating for the individual to be at the centre of the aged care experience, it is likely that providers will become even more responsive to consumer preferences.

When it comes to transitioning to the new legislation, given the sheer scope of changes under the new Act, providers need realistic transition times and support to implement these vital reforms.

The new Act replaces the previous Aged Care Act, which was drafted almost 30 years ago, in 1997.

“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,” said Tom.

“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.”

With more than half of aged care providers currently losing money on every resident, while home care, which needs to grow substantially to keep up with demand, is variable at best, the new reforms must also consider financial viability concerns.

“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,” said Tom.