The Federal Government is under intense pressure to pass proposed aged care reforms before the next federal election. Aged care advocates are increasingly concerned this will not happen.
They are sounding the alarm, warning that any further delay in aged care reforms could set the sector back significantly. This delay could have profound implications for the quality of care residents receive and the financial viability of some aged-care facilities.

So, what exactly are these crucial proposed changes, and why is reform in the aged care sector so vital?

We explore this issue thanks to the ABC, the Department Of Health And Aged Care and the Sydney Morning Herald.

Labor’s new Aged Care Act was drafted in response to the recommendations of the 2018 Royal Commission Into Aged Care Quality & Safety. The Royal Commission uncovered extensive neglect and mistreatment of elderly Australians in aged care.

It made 148 recommendations, including placing more emphasis on the rights of the elderly and more strongly regulating the aged care sector.

Also, among the recommendations were changes to the way the aged care system is funded to help address the financial difficulties many aged care homes are facing.

What will included in the new Act?

The act is proposed to include a statement of rights for older people. These rights would include the right to exercise choice and make decisions about their own care, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be free of restrictive practices.

The government also plans to strengthen quality standards for aged care providers and strengthen powers for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission. In addition, changes to the way aged care is funded are being considered. For example, older Australians in aged care may be asked to pay more for everyday living expenses such as meals and laundry. Criminal penalties for providers who mistreat those in aged care have also been proposed.

However, the act was not introduced before the five-week parliamentary winter break.

There are growing concerns that a delayed introduction of the act could mean it won’t be passed before the election, delaying vital reforms to the industry.

There are just seven more weeks this year when both chambers of parliament are sitting.

Advocates are particularly concerned that the legislation does not appear on the draft House of Representatives agenda for the rest of the year. This is despite a Federal Election due to be called before May next year.

The Government says discussions with the Coalition have been productive, and it hopes for bipartisan support for the act.

Not everyone is on board with all the proposed changes. While aged care facilities are broadly supportive of this change, some are concerned that such rights may be vague in nature and difficult to measure. Some have also raised concerns about how and when criminal penalties for rogue aged-care operators would be enforced.

However, advocates argue that change is desperately needed in the sector. Given the act’s already twice-delayed implementation, they believe it is critical that it come into effect on July 1, 2025. Therefore, it must be passed soon to allow enough time for providers and the government to implement it. They argue further delays would generate significant uncertainty for aged-care residents and providers.

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