With only 26 working days until the new Aged Care Act takes effect and key details still unclear, there is growing pressure from within the sector to delay implementation.
The 1 July 2025 start date can't be changed - it would require an amendment to legislation and Parliament doesn't sit again until August.
However, it is within the Government's powers to stage the reforms.
Sam Rae, the newly appointed Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, met with the Aged Care Transition Taskforce during the week. No doubt the problems providers are facing implementing incomplete reforms would have come up in their discussions, but there was no mention of it in Sam's bland statement on the meeting, nor of the immense pressure the sector is facing.
"It was great to meet with members of the Aged Care Transition Taskforce, including Chair Anne Burgess AM in Canberra this week," Sam wrote on his Facebook page.
"The Transition Taskforce brings together experts from across the sector to guide the implementation of our incoming aged care reform.
"It was a privilege to see advocates for older Australians, alongside industry, workforce, and government officials, to discuss the rollout of the Albanese Labor Government’s aged care reforms.
"These reforms are about building a stronger, more accountable aged care system - one that older Australians can trust to deliver care with dignity, respect, and compassion."
Let's hope behind the carefully worded statement and picture opportunity, there are meaningful conversations being conducted and the Government will listen to the sector, and provide some relief.
