Canberra, Australia – The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) today welcomes the Aged Care Funding Taskforce’s release of its recommendations, marking a crucial advancement towards achieving a sustainable and equitable aged care system in Australia. A highlight is the Taskforce’s emphasis on access, equity, and inclusion – principles that FECCA has steadfastly supported. We also wish to acknowledge the significant contributions of Mary Patetsos, our former Chairperson and current board member, whose advocacy within the Taskforce has been pivotal in representing these core values.
The Taskforce’s decision to recommend against the introduction of an aged care levy, opting instead for a funding model based on individuals’ ability to pay, demonstrates their dedication to fostering a fair and equitable aged care system. This strategic shift in financing is aligned with the evolving demographic landscape and the challenges Australia is grappling with, guaranteeing that all Australians, irrespective of their financial situation, have access to high-quality aged care services.
Mary Patetsos remarked, “Our efforts have solidly positioned the needs of CALD communities at the forefront of the national agenda, emphasising the ongoing importance of block funding for these communities. This ensures that critical concerns are consistently addressed within aged care policy reform. Maintaining block funding is essential for ensuring our aged care system remains responsive and inclusive of the diverse groups of older Australians.”
As Australia’s national peak body representing people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, FECCA is committed to continuing its work with the government and the wider community to implement these recommendations. The organisation looks forward to seeing these proposals translate into tangible improvements in the quality and accessibility of aged care services for all Australians.
