The delay in advancing the Aged Care Act has prompted significant concern from aged care advocates and provider groups, who are urging both sides of federal Parliament to prioritise this crucial legislation. Last week, a coalition of aged care organisations, including Catholic Health Australia, the Aged & Community Care Providers Association, Anglicare Australia, Baptist Care Australia, and UnitingCare Australia, has called for immediate parliamentary action to address the pressing issues facing older Australians.
The need for a new Aged Care Act was underscored by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in 2020, which identified it as a top recommendation. Earlier this year, the Aged Care Taskforce outlined a clear path for fairer funding and comprehensive reform. In a joint statement, these leading organisations highlighted that this may be the final opportunity for the Act to be introduced within a timeframe that allows for proper parliamentary process and public consultation.
The signatories, representing over 1,000 organisations responsible for approximately 70% of the aged care services provided to the 1.3 million Australians in need, emphasised the urgency of the situation. Their statement underscores the critical need for comprehensive reform, which includes establishing rights for the elderly, enhancing support at home, and ensuring fair and sustainable funding.
Laura Haylen, Aged Care Director at Catholic Health Australia, stressed the importance of immediate action. She pointed out that “with three in four facilities struggling to remain viable, every day of inaction threatens Australians’ access to the quality aged care they deserve.” Haylen called for both the Government and the Opposition to urgently prioritise the Aged Care Act in Parliament to address these critical issues.
The Albanese government’s reform agenda, initially outlined 14 months ago, aimed to address the financial strain on the aged care sector through the establishment of an expert taskforce led by Minister Anika Wells. The taskforce was expected to provide recommendations by December 2023, but the release has faced multiple delays, now pushed to after the Dunkley byelection on 2 March 2024.
These delays have caused frustration among stakeholders, with Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston expressing concern about the diminishing timeframe available for advancing the reforms. The anticipated federal election in May 2025, potentially as early as March or April, further complicates the likelihood of significant reform progress post-Christmas. With only seven parliamentary weeks remaining before the holiday break, there is limited time to address the extensive legislative agenda.
The legislative environment is currently congested, with numerous proposals facing an uncertain future. This complexity is exacerbated by the upcoming election and the potential for a hung parliament. Political factions, including the Greens, are focusing on distinguishing themselves rather than advancing the legislative priorities necessary for comprehensive reform.
The Albanese government’s ambitious agenda, which aims to address a broad range of issues, stands in contrast to the previous administration’s more limited focus. Despite this ambitious approach, significant obstacles remain. The delay in the Aged Care Act continues to be a critical issue, with stakeholders and advocates closely monitoring the situation as the government seeks to navigate a challenging legislative landscape.
How many of the most vulnerable people in Australia are going to be forgotten while these people are supposed to care for some may even die while the politicians fight against each other instead of getting rid of the providers stealing the money from the funds, the money just isn’t enough to allow the clients a comfortable lifestyle their death while the providers stealing continues…