Catholic Health Australia (CHA) has welcomed the agreement reached today and the introduction of the Aged Care Act into Parliament.
“This agreement finally paves the way for crucial reforms to the aged care system,” said Laura Haylen, Director of Aged Care Policy at Catholic Health Australia.
“The Act is needed to address the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and lay the foundation for a better quality and more sustainable aged care system that older Australians deserve.
“We are particularly pleased to see the Government tackle the funding reform we urgently need, acting on key recommendations of the Royal Commission and delivering much needed support for older people now and into the future. CHA also thanks the Opposition for putting the national interest first and offering bipartisanship.
“With three in four facilities struggling to remain viable, funding reform is needed for providers to meet costs as well as upgrade facilities, innovate and invest in new models of person-centred care as our population ages,” Ms Haylen said.
“This will ensure all older Australians can access quality care, whether they live in major cities, regional towns or rural areas.”
Catholic Health Australia looks forward to being involved in consultation on any amendments to improve the Act during the parliamentary process.
“We welcome the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue about the Act. Our goal is to ensure it fully supports a high-quality and safe aged care system for all Australians irrespective of their wealth or geography,” Ms Haylen said.
Catholic Health Australia has advocated strongly for fairer personal contributions to the cost of accommodation and daily living expenses for those who can afford it.
CHA also called for the removal of punitive and poorly designed criminal penalties for staff and board members that went beyond laws in other sectors like health and disability.
“We also thank the Opposition for their support to ensure skilled and qualified Board members and executives can remain in the sector,” said Ms Haylen.
Catholic Health Australia represents more than 350 not-for-profit aged care facilities, over 12 per cent of all aged care facilities across Australia with more than 27,000 residential aged care beds. CHA also represents around 20 per cent of home care and support services for the elderly.
