The Minister for Aged Care has issued a reminder to aged care providers that the funding delivered under the Royal Commission into Aged Care’s reforms does come with strings attached.
Speaking on the topic ‘The Government’s Commitment to Excellence in Aged Care’ at the Aged and Community Care Providers Association’s National Conference in Adelaide yesterday, Minister Wells pointed to the Government’s significant investment in aged care, which includes the $15.1 billion in wages delivered under the Fair Work Commission’s wage rises for aged care workers.
She also stressed that this funding comes with increased demands on providers to commit to the reform agenda.
“Make no mistake, there is real work to be done by providers,” the Minister stated.
“The new Act and the investment that comes with it represents a grand bargain between the Government, older people and providers. We are doing our part by acting on the Royal Commission and the Taskforce recommendations, by legislating a new Act and by making sure it is all funded in the Budget.”
“Older people recognise the need for fair, consumer-focused contributions that the sector can keep up with the growing demand, not only for home services but for higher quality services. And they have given up policies which were important to them, like criminal penalties. But I need you to hold up your end of the bargain.”
“Now it is up to the sector to deliver a much higher overall standard of care for the older people who receive their services. To uphold the Statement of Rights as a condition of your registration, to fulfil your new duty of care as responsible persons. To deliver all of the mandatory care minutes that you are funded to deliver.
There have been signs that the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is more closely watching homes that aren’t meeting their care minutes with Minister Wells issuing a letter on 1 October noting her disappointment with the failure of some operators to meet the targets.
The Minister also underlined the importance of the Aged Care Bill 2024 being passed in November to lift the sector out of its financial “limbo”, promising that operators would also be consulted on the rules before they are tabled in Parliament.
“I will die on this hill,” she added. “You can trust that this is what I have come to Parliament to do. So we have come this far, and I am determined that we will get it done before Christmas,” to a smattering of applause.
In response to a question from Master of Ceremonies Tony Jones, Minister Wells said she expects the Opposition will not renege on its bipartisan support for the Government’s reform package given the “extraordinary” backflip this would represent.
The Minister also announced a new professional framework aimed at building the aged care workforce, which is based on eight key goals – see below. You can download the framework here.
“There is more to do with aged care and our mission continues,” the Minister concluded.
“However, we have now introduced the legislation that will allow us all to take the next steps with confidence and to venture into a new age of excellence. It’s been a long, long journey, and I want to thank you again for sticking with us. The destination will be worth the endeavour.”
But will that prove to be the case? Be sure to check out this week’s special edition of SATURDAY, with ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson on the cover, for more discussion on what the future could look like for aged care – subscribe here now.