The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has welcomed the Aged Care Reform Roadmap released today by the Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells.
‘Older people need to know what changes are coming, when those changes are coming, and how those changes will affect them,’ OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM said.
‘This roadmap supplies the necessary coordinates.
‘And by identifying a clear timeline, Minister Wells has enabled the sector to better prepare, plan for – and deliver – the ambitious reforms that will roll out over the coming years.’
The Reform Roadmap puts a delivery framework around a number of key changes recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
‘In particular, we support the ambitious timeline for the newly established Aged Care Taskforce, which is charged with delivering a sustainable, long-term funding model for the sector,’ Mr Gear said.
‘We are thrilled to see strong representation from older people, including Council of Elders’ member Tom Calma AO and Margaret Walsh OAM, and consumer peak bodies, such as COTA CEO Patricia Sparrow.’
Minister Wells told the National Press Club the taskforce would deliver its final report by the end of the year.
‘This will provide us with the funding model for the future of aged care,’ Mr Gear said.
OPAN also welcomed Minister Wells’ explicit commitment to a new Aged Care Act that would be underpinned by international human rights conventions and a Statement of Rights.
‘For too long, aged care has been centred around the funding of providers and their role as corporations,’ Mr Gear said.
‘Now that we have a roadmap, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and fix this broken system.
‘Older people must play an integral role in this process. OPAN looks forward to working with the government, sector stakeholders, other aged care peak bodies, and older people themselves, to ensure this happens.’
If you have any concerns about your aged care services contact us or call 1800 700 600.
Download or read the media release here.
