The Aged Care Minister’s historic speech to the National Press Club yesterday is ‘music to the ears’ of the aged care sector – but not only for the reason you may think.
The first speech by an Aged Care Minister to the Club, Anika Wells’ address outlined again the Albanese Government’s ambition for aged care – including a sustainable funding model to underpin the sector.
Noting that “the Baby Boomers are coming”, the Minister said it was clear that a “fair and equitable” funding model would be needed to meet their needs and announced the members of the Aged Care Taskforce – which you can read about here – including herself as Chair.
But the real takeaway from the speech was the release of the Federal Government’s roadmap to reform for the aged care sector.
You can view the map here.
In the two years since the then-Morrison Government handed down its response to the Aged Care Royal Commission, the lack of a clear understanding of the timeline for its reforms has challenged the sector.
Speaking to operators, the common thread was the sense that reforms were rolling out with little notice and time to prepare.
“You have been calling for it,” said the Minister. “I have listened. We have delivered.”
While the roadmap is of course subject to change, this is the first clear picture that the sector has had of the road ahead.
Also importantly, 1 July 2024 – just over 12 months from now – is set down as the date for not only the new Aged Care Act, but also the new regulatory model and the new single assessment system.
“That timing is intentional as we want to be able to phase in anything that may come from the Aged Care Taskforce,” added the Minister.
In short, depending on the options that the Taskforce recommends – whether it is increased taxation, higher consumer contributions or a blend of both – these will be able to be set down in the legislation.
“For the first time in a decade, workers, residents and stakeholders have a reason to feel optimistic,” said the Minister in discussing the latest financial data for the sector.
We would say that providers should also feel the same.