If you tuned into yesterday’s National Press Club debate between Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler, and Shadow Minister, Anne Ruston, hoping for a meaningful discussion on aged care – you would have been sorely disappointed.
Despite being billed as a "face-off" over the future of Australia’s aged and healthcare systems, aged care was virtually absent from both the Ministers’ speeches and the media pack’s questions. Instead, the debate centred on Medicare, bulk billing, healthcare funding, and urgent care clinics.
The only mention of aged care came via a brief question about the Coalition’s election promise to cut 41,000 public service jobs, and whether that would impact the Department of Health and Aged Care – a valid concern, especially given recent scrutiny around the 50% increase in staffing at the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
But the event reinforced what many in the sector already fear: aged care has slipped from the political spotlight.
As we highlighted in our previous issue of SATURDAY, aged care is far from “fixed”. In fact, we are heading toward a future where many older Australians will likely miss out on the services they need.
Just this week, I spoke with a regional provider struggling to deliver home care services.
“It’s hard enough to get RNs and ENs to work in facilities, let alone in the community,” they told me. “And if they do travel to provide services, even a Level 4 Home Care Package often doesn’t cover the cost of their time.”
Still, there is reason for optimism.
In just 10 days, we’ll know the outcome of the Federal Election. The incoming Minister’s brief from the Department will be long – filled with unresolved issues and reform priorities. And with that, comes opportunity.
This is the time for the aged care sector to come forward with practical, constructive solutions.
That’s why we’ve dedicated this week’s edition of SATURDAY to “easy wins” – policy changes that are relatively straightforward to implement but could have a significant impact on the financial sustainability of providers, workforce challenges, and more.
Many of these ideas stem directly from the CEO ‘political wishlist’ series we’ve been running in The Weekly SOURCE.
We’re also proud to feature Whiddon CEO Chris Mamarelis on the cover. Chris is spearheading a collaborative initiative to address the unique challenges of regional aged care and healthcare – an effort that already has the backing of State and Federal Governments, peak bodies, and providers.
It’s a powerful example of a provider-led initiative delivering practical, real-world solutions – and doing so at the pace necessary to meet the growing needs of older Australians.
As Chris and others are demonstrating, Government is willing to listen. But it’s up to providers to step up and be heard.
