OPINION
THE DAWN OF A NEW ERA FOR THE AGE SERVICES INDUSTRY PROGRESS ON AGED CARE REFORM IN AUSTRALIA IS WELL UNDERWAY
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he Australian Government’s commitment to generational change within the aged care sector has already been showcased as part of important measures implemented in response to the final report of the Aged Care Royal Commission. But in 2022, we can look forward to a fundamental shift toward a strengthened framework as we continue to ensure the individual needs of senior Australians are at the centre of the system. The new era of aged care for modern Australia started in March, when the Government revealed an unprecedented $17.7 billion package for reform. Comprehensive change is now well under way. On 1 March 2021 the Government announced that work would begin on a new consumer focused aged care act which, subject to parliamentary process, will commence on 1 July 2023. The new act will provide the foundation for system-wide reform of aged care and establish the legal framework for a system designed to improve outcomes now and into the future. The reforms reflect senior Australians’ desire to remain in their own homes for longer while retaining independence and maintaining connection to their community. Eighty thousand new home care packages are being steadily released, which will build on the 83,105 packages released since the 2018–19 Budget. This equates to more than 750 packages each week. With wait times down, and backed by assurance reviews, it will ensure senior Australians receive better value for money. A big component of the reforms in home care is the design of a new support at home program to better target services for
Senator the Hon. Richard Colbeck Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services
almost one million people who are currently receiving care at home or residential respite services. We have progressed work on the design which will replace the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), home care packages program, short-term restorative care and residential respite programs, commencing in July 2023. We are also developing improved assessment arrangements that are more consistent and accurate—it means senior Australians will get what they need. The Home Care Workforce Support Program will help employers attract, train and retain approximately 13,000 new personal care workers by mid-2023. A new indigenous workforce will also assist older First Nations people to better navigate and access aged care services. New My Aged Care face-to-face services through Services Australia centres—a one-stop shop across an initial 15 sites to be expanded to 80 sites by December 2022—will enable seniors and their representatives to sit down with a service specialist and talk through their aged care needs. Aged care residents are also getting more face-to-face contact with their GP—the Government providing $42.8 million for an additional 120,000 GP services to increase the quality, timeliness and amount of frontline care. We have also lifted the basic daily fee by $10 and tied it to improved care, including food and nutrition. The Government recognises the additional pressures on staffing across the health and aged care sector. A skilled and appropriately incentivised and supported aged care workforce is integral to quality care. Continued on page 12
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