A consortium of 12 organisations, led by Council on the Ageing (COTA) and Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), has released a 300-page submission on the Government's new draft Aged Care Act.
“There are significant gaps in the current exposure draft – such as fees and charges and the complaints framework – that need to be addressed prior to its commencement this year. The legislative framework must also include stronger protections around choice and control, transparency, an effective complaints process and enforceability of rights,” said OPAN CEO Craig Gear (pictured left).
With 150 recommendations, the submission details the "key requirements" needed in the new Aged Care Act, including:
- Enforceable rights for older people
- A robust, independent complaints system
- Transparency of funding
- Strong regulation and penalties for those found guilty of not upholding the rights of older people
- A guaranteed right to aged care visitors at all times
- Ensure the new Act delivers supports for family and friend carers
Despite the need for changes to the proposed new Aged Care Act, the consortium calls on the Australian Government not to delay the planned 1 July 2024 rollout.
