In a historic moment for the aged care sector and older Australians, the Aged Care Bill 2024 has been approved in the Senate.
The Opposition supported the Aged Care Bill after having four of its proposed amendments passed, including changes to how complaints are handled, having registration conditions set in the rules, having a Senate Committee review the rules, and allowing aged care residents the right to access their designated person.
“We congratulate our elected politicians for putting older Australians and the future of aged care above party politics, passing the Aged Care Bill in the Senate, with rare bipartisan support," said Aged and Community Care Providers Association CEO Tom Symondson.
A new, rights-based Aged Care Act to replace the existing Aged Care Act 1997 was the first recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care.
The reforms will mean many older Australians with financial means will pay more for residential aged care and home care, but will be grandfathered so the changes will not apply to those already in the aged care system.
The aged care peak body now wants to see a clear transition plan so that the sector can successfully implement the far-reaching and complex reforms.
“Reforms of this magnitude will take time to implement, so we’re continuing to call for realistic timeframes and support for the new requirements," said Tom.
"We can’t have a situation where parts of the new Act can’t be achieved due to a lack of lead time and funding."
At a time that Australia’s population is ageing rapidly and demand for aged care is expected to soar, more than half of aged care providers are operating at a loss and home care profitability is declining.
“We hope reforms under the new Act will bring sustainable financial security, so we can grow a sector that’s vibrant and meets the needs of Australia’s ageing population," Tom said.
The Bill now requires approval in the House of Representatives, generally considered a formality, before it is passed into law. Parliament is due to have its last sitting day of 2024 next Thursday (28 November).