At last week’s ACCPA conference, the Shadow Minister gave a strong speech on the importance of innovation in aged care and stated the Opposition is in principle providing bipartisan support for aged care reforms and put forward that she wants ‘bolder’ reforms.
Ms Ruston also looks to greater discussion of the role of Enrolled Nurses in the 200 minutes, plus the role of Allied Health – to considerable applause. She revisited the topic of ENs at last week's Senate Estimates hearings.
This week, Ms Ruston has released a statement asking the Government to release the Aged Care Taskforce’s interim report, saying withholding the report prevents public consultation.
In his Budget reply speech in May this year, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said the LNP wants to work with the Government on aged care reforms to ensure the system is sustainable.
“The Coalition provided a clear offer of bipartisanship on this issue,” a statement from Senator Ruston said.
“The decision not to publicly release the Aged Care Taskforce’s interim report is incredibly disappointing.
“This government has a track record of not undertaking broader stakeholder and community consultation prior to releasing a policy.
“We call on the Government to ensure that any policy developed through this taskforce is subject to public consultation, beyond the members of the Government-chaired Taskforce.
“As the Chair of the Taskforce, the Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells must prove she is willing to work with us on this critical issue by publicly releasing a copy of the interim report.”
The Taskforce was announced in the May 2023 Federal Budget to review aged care funding "to ensure that the aged care system is fair and equitable for all Australians”.
The Taskforce’s interim advice has been provided to Government but will not be made public. The final report is due in December with recommendations for the Government.
