Three major shifts spark momentum in aged care sector
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A series of significant developments in Australia’s aged care sector have been welcomed recently, emphasising leadership changes and future reforms that aim to improve the lives of older people.
Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) applauds the promotion of Anika Wells MP, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport, to Cabinet. Reflecting on Minister Wells’ track record, OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM noted: “Minister Wells has set the agenda for aged care reform since she introduced the first crucial pieces of legislation to address outstanding recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission to Parliament two-and-a-half years ago.”
Gear highlighted Minister Wells’ achievements, including 24/7 nursing and wage increases for aged care staff.
“I personally would like to thank Minister Wells for her steady stewardship of the new rights-based Aged Care Act through the parliamentary process. The passage of the Bill in November was an historic day for aged care reform. Minister Wells’ promotion not only acknowledges her significant achievements in a short space of time, it also gives aged care a designated seat at the table.”
OPAN also welcomed Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services, for assuming responsibility for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). “I’d also like to commend Minister Rishworth for taking on the NDIS portfolio. We acknowledge that some older people live with a disability, which means our advocacy work often intersects with this important portfolio,” Gear said. “The NDIS is a challenging but incredibly important portfolio and we look forward to working with the Minister on the matters which relate to aged care.”
In another major development, Liz Hefren-Webb will become the new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, commencing on 20 January 2025.
“I congratulate Ms Hefren-Webb for being appointed to this position. She will be tasked with the enormous job of upholding the health, safety and wellbeing of older people,” Gear said. “This appointment comes at a pivotal time in the aged care sector as we move towards a rights-based Aged Care Act in 2025.”
Gear acknowledged the contribution of outgoing Commissioner Janet Anderson PSM. “I would also like to thank Ms Anderson, our inaugural Commissioner, for her leadership since 2019. Ms Anderson oversaw the implementation of the Aged Care Quality Standards, the establishment of the Serious Incident Response Scheme, and mandatory care minutes – all important reform pieces which have improved an older person’s experience in aged care.”
OPAN says it looks forward to collaborating with the new leadership in government and regulatory bodies to ensure Australia’s aged care system continues to evolve, particularly as the sector moves toward a fully rights-based framework in 2025.
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
