The CEO of Clarence Village, a stand-alone Not For Profit aged care provider in regional New South Wales, says aged care is being held back by unrealistic staffing mandates, a lack of infrastructure finance, and the absence of a national plan – warning the current system risks leaving 130,000 older Australians without care by 2035.
In his contribution to The Weekly SOURCE’s Federal Election wishlist series, Duncan is calling on whichever party forms Government to urgently reassess workforce assumptions and start building a policy environment based on what is possible, not idealistic targets.
“There is no universe where the system will have enough RNs to deliver 44 minutes of care per resident per day by 2035,” Duncan said.
“That’s 130,000 people who will miss out on care unless policy changes – and changes soon.”
Department of Health and Aged Care modelling shows that meeting projected demand in 2035 would require 400,000 residential aged care places – yet the RN workforce will only be able to support 264,000 under current mandatory care minute rules.
“High-quality care is achievable with fewer RN minutes,” he said. “We need politicians to acknowledge that, and design systems that work with the workforce we have.”
He’s also urging the Government to fast-track the creation of a bond aggregator to unlock long-term, low-cost finance for operators. This would allow providers to build more residential places, maintain older buildings, and refinance expensive commercial debt – particularly in the regions.
“Debt at AAA-rating would significantly reduce borrowing costs and stimulate much-needed investment in aged care infrastructure,” he said.
“The blueprint already exists in the community housing sector – the Government knows how to do this.”
Duncan is also calling for the establishment of a national aged care planning body – bringing together all relevant stakeholders to create a coherent, long-term strategy for the sector.
“There is no single plan guiding aged care in this country. Until there is, we’re just patching over problems,” he said.
He proposes the planning body include aged care providers from metro and regional areas, consumer advocates, unions, State and Federal departments, banks, the superannuation industry, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
“This isn’t just a health portfolio issue – it’s economic, social and financial. We need everyone at the table.”
Clarence Village supports older Australians through retirement living and residential care services in Grafton, northern NSW.
Read the previous articles in our 'political wishlist' series:
Support at Home reforms must be staged: HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn's 'political wishlist'
Level the playing field on payroll tax: Homestyle Aged Care CEO Tim Humphries’ political wishlist
Seven years since a workforce strategy: Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell’s ‘political wishlist’
“Whining for more money won’t cut it”: IRT CEO Patrick Reid’s political wishlist
