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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Age
8 hours ago
- The Age
Tasmania cannot beat the $1b cost of an AFL stadium
Alternative universe In what world did Peter Dutton think it was a good idea to appoint Alan Stockdale and Richard Alston as administrators to run the NSW division of the Liberal Party (″ Ley slams reverse quota talk ″, 5/6)? Having these two gentlemen lead any aspect of reforming the Liberal Party to ensure its relevance in the 21st century seems to be a great example of why the ″back on track″ slogan and strategy was such a disaster in the 2025 election campaign. Alex Donaldson, Hawthorn East See merit in reform Age chief political commentator James Massola puts forward a convincing argument as to why Jim Chalmers should cede some negotiating ground with the opposition on the question of superannuation reform (Comment, 6/6). However, the arguments put forward by the opposition on behalf of a small number of rich Australians have insufficient substance to be accepted. Superannuation is designed to provide a comfortable living in retirement. It is not a tax haven for a family farm nor expensive artwork. Adding to this point, it is disingenuous to project forward the impact of these changes 30 years, when an estimated 1.2 million people will have more than $3 million in their super accounts. As with our tax scales, adjustments will occur as time passes. It should also be noted that, Paul Keating in achieving significant economic reforms, didn't negotiate with John Howard. Rather, the opposition saw the merit of the Hawke-Keating reforms and didn't oppose them. If the opposition wants to seen to be more relevant, its challenge is to negotiate with Chalmers, not the other way around, and certainly not by pursuing a public relations campaign on behalf of rich Australians who just don't like paying tax. James Young, Mount Eliza Parental responsibility I can see that principals might be concerned about the introduction of disciplining students for out-of-school misbehaviours. Perhaps one way of reducing the need might be to tell boys and their parents when they start the school that this might occur if they misbehave in any serious way. And then, if the government follows the American tendency to give parents of such children's activities some legal responsibility for the child's behaviour, the number of such incidents might, over time, decrease. Anthony Whitmarsh, Bulleen Different in government In 2020, the ALP opposition decried – rightly – the Morrison government's 'gas-led recovery'. Now very securely in government the ALP has continued very strong support for the gas industry. Supporting the science and our environment was easy in opposition; in government apparently less so. The Woodside North West Shelf extension (until 2070) is outrageous. The emissions released will totally negate any reductions from our welcome but too slow transition to renewables. Peter Moore, Clifton Hill Not capital idea While there is some justification in increasing the tax on superannuation balances over $3million, there is absolutely no justification to attempting to tax 'unrealised' capital gains. It is inherently unfair. Those smug people who think that this is a tax on the super rich, be aware. Be really aware. Once it is established in the tax system that a such a tax is applicable where will it end? Why not tax share portfolios, investment properties, farms and, dare I say it, the family home. All may have unrealised capital gains and the principle has been established. Be aware. Be really aware. Vince Vozzo, Elwood History lesson The article ″ Trump fears Harvard's excellence ″ (5/6) outlining the critical value of universities, should be read in tandem with Cardinal Newman's The Idea of a University, first published in 1852. Though canonised as a saint in 2019, much of the Part 1 titled ″University Teaching″ focuses on the universal, secular issues confronting universities today. Elizabeth Douglas, Melbourne Silent epidemic Thank you for drawing attention to anorexia as the deadliest mental health condition (″ Anorexia a deadly illness but treatment is lagging ″, 5/6). It is unbelievable that more Australians die from this than they do from the road toll, and yet nothing seems to be being done to improve those terrible statistics. One can't help wonder if the disease wasn't perceived as something that just affects teenage girls, whether we would have a cure by now, instead of relying on 50-year-old treatments. It really is a silent epidemic that no one seems to acknowledge or care about. Anne Clisby, Alphington End UN veto power The US has blocked a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza by exercising its veto power on the UN Security Council as a member of the permanent five big powers. If it's not the US doing this, then it's member Russia stopping effective UN support for Ukraine's struggle against its invader. The UN could be an effective force for world peace but it urgently needs reconstruction to become fully democratic, with the General Assembly the final decision maker and the veto power of the big five – China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the US – rescinded. A large UN combat force is also required, not just to maintain peace after the blood is shed, like the current UN peacekeeping force, but one capable of rapid deployment to take the side of oppressed peoples like the Gazans and those heroically fighting imperialism like the Ukrainians. 'Peace through strength' based on collective security is why the UN was set up in 1945. Barry York, O'Connor, ACT How low can it go? Each day's news from Gaza leaves many of us wondering how the suffering could possibly worsen, yet it does. The recent deaths of 27 people waiting for food marks a horrifying new low. They were parents desperate to feed their children. What kind of war justifies the shooting of the starving? Beyond those points, Israel's leaders have stated their intent to destroy Gaza, and their conduct matches those words. If a state shows no willingness to limit its own violence, the world must act. Sanctions, an arms embargo, the deployment of peacekeepers, or even military intervention must be urgently considered. Waiting for a sudden outbreak of conscience is not a strategy. Zoe Kenny, St Kilda East No Israel is their plan Your correspondent (Letters, 6/6) says that the creation of a separate Palestinian state is the only solution to resolving Palestinian resentment at their plight. But he ignores the fact that this is precisely what they were offered not just in the 1947 UN Partition plan, but several times thereafter. That this has never been achieved has ultimately been because the leadership of one or more of Israel's neighbours until this day have only been prepared to accept a Palestinian state that was instead of, rather than alongside the Jewish state. Geoff Feren, St Kilda East Indefensible act Since when did starving innocent people to death become 'self-defence'? Jody Ellis, Thornbury Stakes are high No matter how much American beef hits these shores, I for one will never be persuaded to buy anything that comes from Trump's America (″ US beef on the table in Trump trade-off ″, 6/6). Dudley Chamberlain, Beaumaris English in express lane After reading student essays, a colleague remarked to me: 'I have to concede that English is changing, but not that fast.' James Goding, Princes Hill AND ANOTHER THING Politics Alan Stockdale's template for a Liberal Party preselection process: assertive women and non-assertive men to the left; short, assertive men with bushy eyebrows to the right. Bernd Rieve, Brighton There may be one dinosaur in the room (Letters, 6/6), but they are not extinct. There are still many circling the house, mouths gaping, roaring prehistoric ideas to the Liberal Party in what is a new world. Anne Carroll, Brighton East Alan Stockdale turns to the standard reply of those caught out by something they've said: 'It was just a joke.' Tim Durbridge, Brunswick I wish columnists like Shaun Carney (Comment, 5/6) would stop writing advice to the Liberal Party about how to recover support in the electorate. I'm very happy with their present position. Peter Hepburn, Claremont, Tas Trump/Musk Donald Trump and Elon Musk with their clashing outsized egos live in an echo chamber that must be cacophonous. Barrie Bales, Woorinen North The reality show between Donald Trump and Elon Musk ″Ugly and uglier' has finally gone to air after many previews. Take a seat and enjoy. Ruth Davis, Carrum Furthermore I withdrew $1000 from my account in the High St last week. There is no ATM. Later, I was staggered to find I was charged $2.50 for a ″staff-assisted service fee″. Have banks no shame? George Stockman, Berwick The AFL has made an overdue Tasmanian team dependent on building an expensive stadium. This has helped bring down the Tasmanian government. Malcolm McDonald, Burwood
West Australian
9 hours ago
- West Australian
Cost-of-living pressures sees Aussies take on a second job
The post-Covid boom in the number of Aussies working multiple jobs continues as higher cost of living pressures means more workers are taking on a second gig. The Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that in the March quarter there were 963,100 Aussies – or 6.5 per cent of the workforce – who had more than one job. While this is actually down from the previous quarter where 999,500 Australians held multiple jobs, it is still a sharp uptick in workers looking to diversify their incomes compared with the years prior to Covid, where around 5 to 6 per cent of Aussies took on a second gig. Seek senior economist Blair Chapman said the spike in cost-of-living pressures from inflation meant more Australians needed to take on extra work. 'We've really seen cost-of-living, especially for employee households, increase quite a lot over the last couple of years,' he said. 'If you've got a mortgage, those repayments have increased quite a bit over the last couple of years so I suspect people have sought a second job just to reach the higher cost of living recently.' Australians are holding onto their second job despite the overall unemployment rate holding firm in recent months, around the 4.1 per cent mark. The main driving force behind this trend is underemployment meaning workers are getting fewer hours from their primary employer than they'd like. 'We are seeing more people being employed in industries where we tend to see a lot of multiple job holdings,' Mr Chapman said. 'For example, we've seen healthcare and social assistance grow and that is one of the industries where multiple job holdings are most common. 'That comes down to the nature of the work, where you have shift work and one business may not be able to provide all the hours an employee wants so the individual has to work across multiple sites to get the hours they are desiring.' Many of these multiple job holders are Australians aged between 20-24, with women more likely to hold a second role over males. In contrast older Australians aged between 60 to 64 are the least likely to hold a second role. 'When we look at a lot of the multiple job holders, they tend to be younger. Maybe it is a university aged person who can't work full-time but can work nights and weekends,' Mr Chapman said. 'While maybe it is not the same job but for them it is probably good they can work multiple jobs with flexible hours.'
Perth Now
9 hours ago
- Perth Now
Reason Aussies are working multiple jobs
The post-Covid boom in the number of Aussies working multiple jobs continues as higher cost of living pressures means more workers are taking on a second gig. The Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that in the March quarter there were 963,100 Aussies – or 6.5 per cent of the workforce – who had more than one job. While this is actually down from the previous quarter where 999,500 Australians held multiple jobs, it is still a sharp uptick in workers looking to diversify their incomes compared with the years prior to Covid, where around 5 to 6 per cent of Aussies took on a second gig. Seek senior economist Blair Chapman said the spike in cost-of-living pressures from inflation meant more Australians needed to take on extra work. 'We've really seen cost-of-living, especially for employee households, increase quite a lot over the last couple of years,' he said. Women are more likely to take on multiple roles compared to men. NewsWire / David Mariuz Credit: News Corp Australia 'If you've got a mortgage, those repayments have increased quite a bit over the last couple of years so I suspect people have sought a second job just to reach the higher cost of living recently.' Australians are holding onto their second job despite the overall unemployment rate holding firm in recent months, around the 4.1 per cent mark. The main driving force behind this trend is underemployment meaning workers are getting fewer hours from their primary employer than they'd like. 'We are seeing more people being employed in industries where we tend to see a lot of multiple job holdings,' Mr Chapman said. 'For example, we've seen healthcare and social assistance grow and that is one of the industries where multiple job holdings are most common. Aussies in the healthcare sector are most likely to take on multiple jobs. NewsWire / David Crosling Credit: News Corp Australia 'That comes down to the nature of the work, where you have shift work and one business may not be able to provide all the hours an employee wants so the individual has to work across multiple sites to get the hours they are desiring.' Many of these multiple job holders are Australians aged between 20-24, with women more likely to hold a second role over males. In contrast older Australians aged between 60 to 64 are the least likely to hold a second role. 'When we look at a lot of the multiple job holders, they tend to be younger. Maybe it is a university aged person who can't work full-time but can work nights and weekends,' Mr Chapman said. 'While maybe it is not the same job but for them it is probably good they can work multiple jobs with flexible hours.'
