Updated as of: 16 December 2024
OPAN has welcomed the passage of the new Aged Care Act (25 November).
OPAN Director, Policy and Systemic Advocacy Samantha Edmonds said this was a historic moment, enshrining the rights of older people in legislation.
“We have long advocated for a rights-based Act which puts older people at the centre of the legislation, and we have achieved that.
“We are pleased to see that there will be a positive duty on providers to understand and deliver services to older people in line with the statement of rights.
“Reform of this scale will take time to implement – and we need to ensure the rules uphold the rights of older people.
“OPAN will continue to work closely with the Government, our fellow peaks and aged care providers on the implementation of the Act, ensuring older people are engaged in the process.
“We will do this through our ongoing systemic advocacy and in our capacity as a member on the Aged Care Transition Taskforce, as well as through our on-the-ground advocates who work tirelessly to protect and promote the rights of older people.
Useful resources:
- Read OPAN’s media release >
- Replay the conversation at our recent webinar on the new Act. Replay and view the resources >
Department of Health and Aged Care resources:
- Read the Aged Care Act 2024 plain language fact sheet
- Read the Support at Home program fact sheet – Changes to Support at Home pricing arrangements for older people, families and carers
- Read the latest Support at Home program – Frequently asked questions
- Read the Support at Home program booklet for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families and carers
- Read the Australian Government response to the Aged Care Taskforce
