Government 'listens' to widespread concern, delays start of Aged Care Act
Once-in-a-generation changes to the aged care sector have been put on pause by the federal government to allow more time for service providers and clients to prepare.
The new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, released an open letter to aged care providers on Wednesday, June 4, signalling he will defer the start of the Aged Care Act from July 1 to November 1, 2025.
"I have spent my first three weeks as your Minister listening to older people, their families and carers, aged care providers, workers and others in the sector who have generously shared their views and feedback with me," Mr Rae stated.
"You have told us you need more time to prepare your clients, support your workers and get your systems ready for the transition to the new Aged Care Act."
The letter said the extra time would allow the government to finalise key operational and digital processes - something providers have been crying out for - along with implementation guidance and training.
Read more at The Senior:
The decision follows months of widespread criticism over lack of information and transparency by aged care providers and advocates for the aged, with many calling to delay the implementation of the new laws - as reported by The Senior.
Craig Gear, CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), said the four-month delay was the "right decision" as older people did not have the necessary information to make informed choices, especially around the Support at Home program.
"We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren't yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition," Mr Gear said.
OPAN has also called for the release of at least 20,000 additional home care packages during the delay to reduce the current 83,000 people waiting up to 11 months to receive the appropriate level of home care.
"This decision is the result of months of intense discussions and calls for practical timelines for the sector. We know that rushed reforms would put levels of care at risk for older people," Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
"We fully support the new rights-based Aged Care Act, but the simple truth is we're not ready to introduce all the sweeping reforms by 1 July. Providers have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth transition, but we just haven't received all the information we need in order to proceed."
Mr Symondson said the extra time was a "critical space" to help aged care providers and services finalise agreements with clients, systems and processes - and puts older Australians first.
"This is a win for the 1.4 million older Australians, who rely on aged care," he said.
"We need to do this reform once and do it right. We hope this extension will help us get closer to that goal."
Catholic Health Australia (which represents more than 350 aged care facilities) also welcomed the government's decision, with CEO Jason Kara saying it would ensure a smooth transition.
"Reform of this magnitude and importance should not be rushed," Mr Kara said.
"Much of the detail around how the new program will work is incomplete or in draft," said Mr Kara.
"Requiring providers and residents to sign agreements without key information such as co-contribution amounts and transitional rules would have risked the discontinuation of care, or care being provided without a legal service agreement, posing legal, financial and regulatory risks."
Simon Miller, CEO of Anglicare Sydney, said the delay would help produce "stronger outcomes for everyone".
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Once-in-a-generation changes to the aged care sector have been put on pause by the federal government to allow more time for service providers and clients to prepare.
The new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, released an open letter to aged care providers on Wednesday, June 4, signalling he will defer the start of the Aged Care Act from July 1 to November 1, 2025.
"I have spent my first three weeks as your Minister listening to older people, their families and carers, aged care providers, workers and others in the sector who have generously shared their views and feedback with me," Mr Rae stated.
"You have told us you need more time to prepare your clients, support your workers and get your systems ready for the transition to the new Aged Care Act."
The letter said the extra time would allow the government to finalise key operational and digital processes - something providers have been crying out for - along with implementation guidance and training.
Read more at The Senior:
The decision follows months of widespread criticism over lack of information and transparency by aged care providers and advocates for the aged, with many calling to delay the implementation of the new laws - as reported by The Senior.
Craig Gear, CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), said the four-month delay was the "right decision" as older people did not have the necessary information to make informed choices, especially around the Support at Home program.
"We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren't yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition," Mr Gear said.
OPAN has also called for the release of at least 20,000 additional home care packages during the delay to reduce the current 83,000 people waiting up to 11 months to receive the appropriate level of home care.
"This decision is the result of months of intense discussions and calls for practical timelines for the sector. We know that rushed reforms would put levels of care at risk for older people," Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
"We fully support the new rights-based Aged Care Act, but the simple truth is we're not ready to introduce all the sweeping reforms by 1 July. Providers have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth transition, but we just haven't received all the information we need in order to proceed."
Mr Symondson said the extra time was a "critical space" to help aged care providers and services finalise agreements with clients, systems and processes - and puts older Australians first.
"This is a win for the 1.4 million older Australians, who rely on aged care," he said.
"We need to do this reform once and do it right. We hope this extension will help us get closer to that goal."
Catholic Health Australia (which represents more than 350 aged care facilities) also welcomed the government's decision, with CEO Jason Kara saying it would ensure a smooth transition.
"Reform of this magnitude and importance should not be rushed," Mr Kara said.
"Much of the detail around how the new program will work is incomplete or in draft," said Mr Kara.
"Requiring providers and residents to sign agreements without key information such as co-contribution amounts and transitional rules would have risked the discontinuation of care, or care being provided without a legal service agreement, posing legal, financial and regulatory risks."
Simon Miller, CEO of Anglicare Sydney, said the delay would help produce "stronger outcomes for everyone".
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Once-in-a-generation changes to the aged care sector have been put on pause by the federal government to allow more time for service providers and clients to prepare.
The new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, released an open letter to aged care providers on Wednesday, June 4, signalling he will defer the start of the Aged Care Act from July 1 to November 1, 2025.
"I have spent my first three weeks as your Minister listening to older people, their families and carers, aged care providers, workers and others in the sector who have generously shared their views and feedback with me," Mr Rae stated.
"You have told us you need more time to prepare your clients, support your workers and get your systems ready for the transition to the new Aged Care Act."
The letter said the extra time would allow the government to finalise key operational and digital processes - something providers have been crying out for - along with implementation guidance and training.
Read more at The Senior:
The decision follows months of widespread criticism over lack of information and transparency by aged care providers and advocates for the aged, with many calling to delay the implementation of the new laws - as reported by The Senior.
Craig Gear, CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), said the four-month delay was the "right decision" as older people did not have the necessary information to make informed choices, especially around the Support at Home program.
"We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren't yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition," Mr Gear said.
OPAN has also called for the release of at least 20,000 additional home care packages during the delay to reduce the current 83,000 people waiting up to 11 months to receive the appropriate level of home care.
"This decision is the result of months of intense discussions and calls for practical timelines for the sector. We know that rushed reforms would put levels of care at risk for older people," Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
"We fully support the new rights-based Aged Care Act, but the simple truth is we're not ready to introduce all the sweeping reforms by 1 July. Providers have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth transition, but we just haven't received all the information we need in order to proceed."
Mr Symondson said the extra time was a "critical space" to help aged care providers and services finalise agreements with clients, systems and processes - and puts older Australians first.
"This is a win for the 1.4 million older Australians, who rely on aged care," he said.
"We need to do this reform once and do it right. We hope this extension will help us get closer to that goal."
Catholic Health Australia (which represents more than 350 aged care facilities) also welcomed the government's decision, with CEO Jason Kara saying it would ensure a smooth transition.
"Reform of this magnitude and importance should not be rushed," Mr Kara said.
"Much of the detail around how the new program will work is incomplete or in draft," said Mr Kara.
"Requiring providers and residents to sign agreements without key information such as co-contribution amounts and transitional rules would have risked the discontinuation of care, or care being provided without a legal service agreement, posing legal, financial and regulatory risks."
Simon Miller, CEO of Anglicare Sydney, said the delay would help produce "stronger outcomes for everyone".
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Once-in-a-generation changes to the aged care sector have been put on pause by the federal government to allow more time for service providers and clients to prepare.
The new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, released an open letter to aged care providers on Wednesday, June 4, signalling he will defer the start of the Aged Care Act from July 1 to November 1, 2025.
"I have spent my first three weeks as your Minister listening to older people, their families and carers, aged care providers, workers and others in the sector who have generously shared their views and feedback with me," Mr Rae stated.
"You have told us you need more time to prepare your clients, support your workers and get your systems ready for the transition to the new Aged Care Act."
The letter said the extra time would allow the government to finalise key operational and digital processes - something providers have been crying out for - along with implementation guidance and training.
Read more at The Senior:
The decision follows months of widespread criticism over lack of information and transparency by aged care providers and advocates for the aged, with many calling to delay the implementation of the new laws - as reported by The Senior.
Craig Gear, CEO of the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), said the four-month delay was the "right decision" as older people did not have the necessary information to make informed choices, especially around the Support at Home program.
"We are also concerned that the appropriate systems aren't yet in place to ensure continuity of care and services for older people during the transition," Mr Gear said.
OPAN has also called for the release of at least 20,000 additional home care packages during the delay to reduce the current 83,000 people waiting up to 11 months to receive the appropriate level of home care.
"This decision is the result of months of intense discussions and calls for practical timelines for the sector. We know that rushed reforms would put levels of care at risk for older people," Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.
"We fully support the new rights-based Aged Care Act, but the simple truth is we're not ready to introduce all the sweeping reforms by 1 July. Providers have been working around the clock to ensure a smooth transition, but we just haven't received all the information we need in order to proceed."
Mr Symondson said the extra time was a "critical space" to help aged care providers and services finalise agreements with clients, systems and processes - and puts older Australians first.
"This is a win for the 1.4 million older Australians, who rely on aged care," he said.
"We need to do this reform once and do it right. We hope this extension will help us get closer to that goal."
Catholic Health Australia (which represents more than 350 aged care facilities) also welcomed the government's decision, with CEO Jason Kara saying it would ensure a smooth transition.
"Reform of this magnitude and importance should not be rushed," Mr Kara said.
"Much of the detail around how the new program will work is incomplete or in draft," said Mr Kara.
"Requiring providers and residents to sign agreements without key information such as co-contribution amounts and transitional rules would have risked the discontinuation of care, or care being provided without a legal service agreement, posing legal, financial and regulatory risks."
Simon Miller, CEO of Anglicare Sydney, said the delay would help produce "stronger outcomes for everyone".
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
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