Sector reacts positively to new Aged Care bill

After months of anticipation, providers, peak bodies and consumers have reacted to the news of a bipartisan deal on the future of Australian aged care.

The Albanese government has been under pressure from the sector to deliver on aged care reform, with fears that negotiations could delay crucial changes until after the federal election next year, however, the bill was finally introduced to Parliament on Thursday.

For many, the announcement provides relief.

Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) chief Craig Gear OAM said the new legislation is welcomed by older Australians as they look forward to having their rights enshrined in legislation.

“The new Aged Care Act has the potential to enhance quality standards, increase protections for older people, and create a financially sustainable aged care system for future generations," he said.

“What we have here are the building blocks for a safe, high-quality, financially viable aged care system for generations to come."

Tom Symondson, Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) chief, called the tabling of the bill a great victory for older people and expressed his gratitude to government leaders for prioritising quality of life for older Australians.

“The Albanese Government has shown real leadership putting aged care reform back on the national agenda, first through the Aged Care Taskforce chaired by Minister Anika Wells, and now through the introduction of legislation," he said.

“Opposition leader Peter Dutton has been true to his word in offering bipartisan support. The Coalition has been instrumental in finding a way forward during negotiations, joining the Government in putting older Australians first.”

In a press conference announcing the changes last week the Prime Minister thanked Aged Care Minister Anika Wells, Health Minister Mark Butler and economic ministers Jim Chalmers and Katy Gallagher, as wells as Coalition for their "constructive engagement" throughout the negotiations of the "once in a generation" reforms.

“Australia can build an aged care system that’s the envy of the world, but we need help to do it. Older Australians deserve this future, alongside the confidence of knowing that the nation is fully committed to achieving it," Mr Symondson said.

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells proudly said that, with this legislation, the Albanese government has answered the question that the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety could not: how to make aged care equitable and sustainable in this country.

”We’ve heard the message from older Australians: they want support to stay in the homes and communities they love," she said.

“Support at Home will help around 1.4 million older Australians do just that, with shorter wait times, more levels of support, and funding for home modifications.

“The Government will pay 100 per cent of clinical care services, with people contributing towards their support services like help with showering, gardening or meal preparation.

“Older Australians will get support to spend their final weeks at home, surrounded by loved ones in an environment they cherish, instead of rushing precious moments into hospital visiting hours.”

The new legislation will now need to pass through both houses of parliament before implementation can begin, meaning this long awaited first step marks the start of a significant reform journey.

StewartBrown's Residential Aged Care Projections July report revealed that more than half of all Australian residential aged care facilities are currently losing money, calculating aggregate losses over the past five years at approximately $5 billion. With more aged care facilities currently closing than opening, the country will now need to sustain the opening of thousands of new beds per year for the next two decades to keep up with demand.

Yet providers remains optimistic that reform will bring much needed financial stability and sustainability to the sector.

At Southern Cross Care Queensland (SCCQ), chief Jason Eldering believes that the government has achieved balance between providing the quality care older Australians deserve and the management of the economic and social impacts of an ageing population.

"We believe in an aged care system that treats every older Australian with love and fairness,” he said.

“However, we must also acknowledge the financial pressures this system may place on younger generations, particularly Millennials and Gen X. It is vital that the system remains sustainable and fair for all generations.

"As the needs of older Australians become increasingly diverse, it's critical to focus on developing care models that cater to those requiring lower levels of assistance, as well as specialised services like dementia care. Investment in these areas will ensure that we are providing tailored, compassionate care that meets the unique needs of each individual."

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