New Aged Care Act

OPAN has welcomed the introduction of the new Aged Care Act to Parliament (12 September).

‘I congratulate the government and the Opposition for their efforts in reaching a hard fought-for agreement on the funding principles of this crucial piece of legislation,’ OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM said. 

‘The new Aged Care Act has the potential to enhance quality standards, increase protections for older people, and create a financially sustainable aged care system for future generations.

‘What we have here are the building blocks for a safe, high-quality, financially viable aged care system for generations to come.’

OPAN is committed to ensuring older people, their families, and other representatives continue to have their say as the Bill proceeds through the various stages of the parliamentary process, including Senate inquiries.

‘With the omission from the final legislation of criminal penalties for serious harm and neglect, we will need to be reassured that the Act contains sufficient protections for older people and deterrents for providers who do the wrong thing,’ Mr Gear said.

‘And we are keen to understand the efficacy of the safety nets and other financial protections for older people.’