The Albanese Government managed to push through its Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2024 among more than 30 other pieces of legislation on the final day of sitting after striking a deal with the Greens and Senator David Pocock.
The aim of the Bill is to make “transitional arrangements” to support the introduction of the Aged Care Bill 2024, to smooth the transition to the new system.
It repeals the old Aged Care Act and other related pieces of legislation, and provides for the transition of “approved” aged care providers to the new regulatory framework for “registered” providers.
Of note was the Bill’s implementation of the Aged Care Royal Commission's recommendation 88. Under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, people will now be able to access information about the aged care system, which formerly fell under “secrecy provisions”.
Only introduced to Parliament on 21 November 2024, the Bill was passed just over a month later with little consultation. It was not reported on by any parliamentary committees.
The Aged Care Bill 2024 was passed on Monday 25 November.