A coalition of organisations representing older Australians has issued a pressing demand for the immediate introduction of a new rights-based Aged Care Act.
The group, which includes Australian Independent Retirees, Carers Australia, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia, Dementia Australia, Elder Abuse Action Australia, LGBTIQ+ Health Australia, National Seniors, Older Persons Advocacy Network, Partners in Culturally Appropriate Care Alliance and Returned Services League of Australia, is calling for bipartisan support to address long-standing issues in the aged care sector.
Three years after the Royal Commission into Aged Care exposed widespread neglect and abuse, older Australians are still waiting for crucial reforms. Patricia Sparrow, CEO of COTA Australia, emphasised the urgency of the situation: “Every story heard during the commission, and the stories from the decade before, differed slightly, but the fundamental thread was a lack of dignity, respect and basic rights.”
The coalition is pushing for the Act to be introduced in the current parliamentary sitting fortnight to ensure its passage this year. Chris Grice, CEO of National Seniors Australia, stressed the importance of this legislation: “Enshrining the basic rights of older people in a new Aged Care Act was a primary recommendation of the Aged Care Royal Commission. It is a fundamental step needed to address the many issues in aged care.”
Craig Gear, CEO of Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), warned of political consequences if action is not taken swiftly: “Older Australians, and their voting families will hold both parties responsible if we don’t see action to introduce the Aged Care Act and improve the system quickly.”
The proposed Act is seen as crucial for future reforms, including the new Support at Home program scheduled to begin on 1 July 2025. Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO of Dementia Australia, emphasised the need for a system that is “fair, transparent, affordable and has the needs and rights of older Australians at the centre of it.”
“This reform is about changing the aged care culture to be focused on older people. Older people have been consulted, they’ve contributed, and they’ve waited long enough – now they need to see action.”
