Ageing Australia’s Incoming Government Brief (IGB) outlines ten priority issues we believe warrant the immediate attention of the Minister and newly appointed advisors. While not an exhaustive list, these priorities highlight key areas where government action can make a meaningful difference for older Australians and the aged care sector.
We recognise that the incoming Minister and their staff have a wide range of complex issues to navigate. At this stage, one of the most pressing priorities is determining which regulatory decisions are ready for sign-off – and when that should occur.
While the Department has prepared its own IGB, these documents often present a limited view and may not fully reflect the perspectives and concerns of the aged care sector.
That’s why we’ve identified around ten priority issues we believe warrant the Minister’s closer attention. These are intended to support more balanced decision-making by highlighting key concerns raised through taskforce deliberations and sector consultation.
- ICT readiness – compressed timelines for software developer testing, challenges and cost of the rollout, and Services Australia systems not ready in time despite government assurances they will be.
- Service agreements – Insufficient information, and time, for providers and consumers to negotiate new agreements, with informed consent, by 1 July.
- Care management – cut in care management fees, precisely when care management is needed the most.
- Means testing arrangements – uncertainty and communications with consumers.
- Higher Every Day Living Fees.
- Service lists.
- Financial and prudential standards (complying with liquidity standards, including for retirement living).
- Invoicing.
- Practicalities of transition: training and preparing staff, cost of transitions.
- Compliance: sensible, guidance/support approach to non-compliance, rather than a punitive one.