AUSTRALIA | Once-In-AGeneration Reforms

The Australian government's new aged care policy, requiring a registered nurse to be present in all facilities 24/7, has received praise and criticism. While Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has defended his government's "ambitious" policy, some providers have cited significant financial and staffing challenges in meeting the deadline.

significant financial and staffing restrictions.

The Opposition had accused the government of bringing in the requirements too soon before the workforce was ready. However, the PM remains committed to addressing the challenges in the aged care sector. He defended the government's policy, saying that the "overwhelming majority" of residential facilities, or nearly 90 percent, would meet the 24/7 nursing requirements.

While about five percent of facilities have exemptions for valid reasons, Prime Minister Albanese conceded that the workforce was a "real challenge" in the sector. The government has committed to a 15 percent increase in the award wage for workers to address this.

"Aged care is a priority for this government," said Albanese in a recent interview with ABC Radio.

rom July 1, 2023, all aged care centres in Australia must comply with this policy. The decision was made in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, where inadequate staffing levels were identified as a key factor in some facilities' poor quality of care.

Last week, Brightwater, which operates across Western Australia, announced it would close three Perth sites, while Wesley Mission will close three of its Sydney aged care homes. Both providers have said they were committed to providing high-level care to residents but could not meet the government's deadline due to

"The fact is that 90 percent have met the requirements already, and we make no apologies for being ambitious in this area. But we're also being practical about dealing with these issues."

Some facilities in regional areas with less than 30 beds have a 12-month exemption. However, not meeting the 24/7 requirement is not enough to close a facility. Aged Care Minister Anika Wells has indicated that "the government would work closely with facilities to meet the standards".

Overall, the new aged care policy has sparked debate about how the government can support the sector to meet the necessary standards. While some providers have struggled to comply with the requirements, others have welcomed the policy to improve the quality of care for older Australians.