The Minister for Aged Care and Sport anika Wells this evening announced the Department of Health and Aged Care is developing $10,000 grants to help residential care and home care operators cover the costs of developing the IT systems needed to implement the once-in-a-generation reforms that are due to take effect in less than eight months' time. Details are expected to become available in the coming weeks.
Anika Wells also revealed the Australian Government is forming an Aged Care Transition Taskforce to try to help providers "manage implementation of the new Aged Care Act by 1 July 2025", assuming the Bill is passed.
In Senate Inquiry hearings and submissions in recent weeks, scores of aged care stakeholders flagged concerns about the tight timeframe to implement the reforms contained in the Aged Care Bill, and the high cost to providers, particularly for IT systems. Regis Aged Care said implementation will cost them millions of dollars in education alone.
The Transition Taskforce will be chaired by Anne Burgess AM, Chair of the Council of Elders and Member of the National Aged Care Advisory Committee. Members will include consumer advocates, aged care providers, ICT specialists, clinical care experts, and representatives from the Department of Health and the Aged Care and Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
The Minister said, “I understand the sector will face challenges transitioning to a new aged care system but we are intent on helping the industry meet these challenges.
“The Transition Taskforce will provide expert advice to government on the progress of implementation alongside oversight and stewardship to the sector.
“I have always said I am ambitious for aged care. I know the sector can meet this challenge with the Transition Taskforce troubleshooting concerns raised by providers.”
The Aged Care Bill 2024 has passed the House of Representatives and is expected to be considered in the Senate this week. There are only eight sitting days before the end of the year. Parliament does not resume until February 2025.
