The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has today welcomed the announcement of a historic bi-partisan agreement to introduce Australia’s new Aged Care Act to Parliament today.
The primary recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was for the introduction of a new, rights-based Aged Care Act.
“As a result of the reforms that we’re announcing today, around 1.4 million Australians will benefit from a new support at home program by 2035, helping them remain independent in their home and their community for longer, $5.6 billion will be invested in a reform package which includes these major changes,” said Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese.
“$4.3 billion invested in support at home to come into effect on the 1 July next year. Changes to improve the funding, viability and quality of residential aged care, including providing certainty that nobody already in aged care will be asked to contribute more to the cost of their care.
“And thirdly, new laws to protect older Australians in aged care with stronger powers to investigate bad behaviour and civil penalties for breaching standards. Reforms like this don’t happen every day. They are once in a generation and this is very significant. I do want to thank the Opposition for their constructive engagement in this process.”
OPAN CEO, Craig Gear OAM congratulated and Government and the Opposition for their efforts in reaching “a hard fought-for agreement” on the funding principles of the crucial piece of legislation after months of negotiations.
Mr Gear said the Act has the potential to enhance quality standards, increase protections for older people, and create a financially sustainable aged care system for future generations.
“What we have here are the building blocks for a safe, high-quality, financially viable aged care system for generations to come,” he said.
“Older people look forward to having their rights enshrined in legislation.”
Mr Gear said OPAN would take time to work through the detail of the new legislation and to assess the fairness and equity of the proposed co-contribution model.
”We understand the government will continue to be the prime funder of aged care and clinical care. While some people may be contributing to their aged care via a sliding scale, we are keen to understand the efficacy of the safety nets and other financial protections for older people.”
“OPAN will collaborate with older people and the organisations that support them to provide feedback to ensure the best aged care outcomes for older people.
“We look forward to working with the parliament and other sector stakeholders to implement sensible changes that ensure the rights of older people are upheld in the rule of law.”
Mr Gear said he was disappointed by the omission from the final legislation of criminal penalties in particular for serious harm and neglect.
“However, there may be alternative legislative avenues for older people to pursue, such as Work Health and Safety and Corporations Law,” Mr Gear said.
“OPAN, in collaboration with other peak bodies for older people and those who support them, will explore the detail of the new legislation to ensure there are appropriate financial penalties for providers who do the wrong thing, redress and/or compensation for older people, and measures to ensure restorative justice for older people and their families.”
He is urging politicians to adopt a multi-partisan approach to the commencement of the new Aged Care Act, a key recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission.
“Older people have waited far too long for their rights to be upheld and for this life-changing piece of legislation. Its passage must now be facilitated without further delay.”
Perth-based family owned-aged care provider, Hall & Prior has also welcomed the new Act as a “next step” toward high quality aged care for all Australians.
“As aged care providers, it is our responsibility to embrace the reform and to ensure that every Australian receives quality care, choice and compassion in their later years,” said Chief Executive, Graeme Prior.
“While many of the changes are already incorporated in our daily practices, like all providers, we will look at gaps and adapt accordingly.
“Hall & Prior supported the establishment of the Aged Care Royal Commission to take a microscope to sector standards, accountability and oversight arrangements; and we remain leaders in the call for reflection and improvement.
“The Aged Care Act is a significant step forward and we see Hall & Prior as the champions of change in this arena. As professionals we will embrace the change as we continue to strive for improvement.”
