Latest news with #OPAN
West Australian
7 days ago
- Business
- West Australian
Aged care sector backs delay for major reform to the industry
The Albanese government is delaying its 'once-in-a-generation' aged care reforms to give providers more time to prepare. Bolstering regulation, simplifying in-home care services and increasing how much wealthier retirees pay toward non-clinical services were among the key changes set to kick in on July 1. But after months of warnings from the sector, Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Wednesday Labor was pushing the start date back by four months. 'We have been clear that we want to successfully deliver these reforms in the right way,' Mr Butler said in a joint statement with Aged Care Minister Sam Rae. 'We have received advice from the sector and experts that more time will improve the delivery of these reforms and minimise disruption. 'Following careful consideration, the government will recommend to the Governor-General ... that she proclaim the commencement of the new Aged Care Act to be 1 November 2025. 'This will allow more time for aged care providers to prepare their clients, support their workers and get their systems ready for the changes. 'It will also give us more time to finalise key operational and digital processes, and for parliament to consider supporting legislation that will enable the new act to operate effectively.' Treasurer Jim Chalmers told reporters the delay would have a 'modest' $900m impact on Commonwealth coffers over the next four years. The sector has welcomed the delay, with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) saying it switched its position in recent weeks due to concerns 'older people don't have the necessary information to make informed choices'. 'Until now, OPAN has been steadfast in its call for the Act to be implemented, as promised, on 1 July 2025, because older people can't get the aged care they need without it,' OPAN chief executive Craig Gear said. 'However, over the past weeks it has become increasingly apparent that, while the macro design of the reform is solid, older people don't have the necessary information to make informed choices at an individual level, particularly around the new 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.' The Council on the Ageing (COTA) also welcomed the move. 'We wanted a 1 July start date so people didn't have to wait any longer for their rights than they already have, but ultimately, we concluded it's far more important to get it right and ensure that older people understand what will happen for them,' COTA chief executive Patricia Sparrow said. Ms Sparrow called on the Albanese government to continue releasing 'extra packages of support for people living at home and reduce the home care package wait list even with the delayed start for the new Support at Home program'. Meanwhile, the Coalition has blasted the delay as 'a clear admission of failure'. 'The government was warned,' opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston said in a statement. 'We put forward a responsible, measured amendment to ensure that their reforms could be rolled out safely and effectively, and Labor opposed it. 'The aged care sector has been crying out that the 1 July deadline was not deliverable without causing serious negative consequences. 'Why has it taken the government until five minutes to midnight to alleviate the stress and uncertainty they have inflicted?'
Perth Now
7 days ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Major delay to Albo's agenda
The Albanese government is delaying its 'once-in-a-generation' aged care reforms to give providers more time to prepare. Bolstering regulation, simplifying in-home care services and increasing how much wealthier retirees pay toward non-clinical services were among the key changes set to kick in on July 1. But after months of warnings from the sector, Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Wednesday Labor was pushing the start date back by four months. 'We have been clear that we want to successfully deliver these reforms in the right way,' Mr Butler said in a joint statement with Aged Care Minister Sam Rae. 'We have received advice from the sector and experts that more time will improve the delivery of these reforms and minimise disruption. 'Following careful consideration, the government will recommend to the Governor-General ... that she proclaim the commencement of the new Aged Care Act to be 1 November 2025. 'This will allow more time for aged care providers to prepare their clients, support their workers and get their systems ready for the changes. 'It will also give us more time to finalise key operational and digital processes, and for parliament to consider supporting legislation that will enable the new act to operate effectively.' The Albanese government is delaying its 'once-in-a-generation' aged care reforms. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia Treasurer Jim Chalmers told reporters the delay would have a 'modest' $900m impact on Commonwealth coffers over the next four years. The sector has welcomed the delay, with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) saying it switched its position in recent weeks due to concerns 'older people don't have the necessary information to make informed choices'. 'Until now, OPAN has been steadfast in its call for the Act to be implemented, as promised, on 1 July 2025, because older people can't get the aged care they need without it,' OPAN chief executive Craig Gear said. 'However, over the past weeks it has become increasingly apparent that, while the macro design of the reform is solid, older people don't have the necessary information to make informed choices at an individual level, particularly around the new 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.' Aged care providers have been warning for months they need more time to prepare their clients for the reforms. Supplied Credit: Supplied The Council on the Ageing (COTA) also welcomed the move. 'We wanted a 1 July start date so people didn't have to wait any longer for their rights than they already have, but ultimately, we concluded it's far more important to get it right and ensure that older people understand what will happen for them,' COTA chief executive Patricia Sparrow said. Ms Sparrow called on the Albanese government to continue releasing 'extra packages of support for people living at home and reduce the home care package wait list even with the delayed start for the new Support at Home program'. Meanwhile, the Coalition has blasted the delay as 'a clear admission of failure'. 'The government was warned,' opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston said in a statement. 'We put forward a responsible, measured amendment to ensure that their reforms could be rolled out safely and effectively, and Labor opposed it. 'The aged care sector has been crying out that the 1 July deadline was not deliverable without causing serious negative consequences. 'Why has it taken the government until five minutes to midnight to alleviate the stress and uncertainty they have inflicted?'
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
Aged care sector backs delay for major reform to the industry
The Albanese government is delaying its 'once-in-a-generation' aged care reforms to give providers more time to prepare. Bolstering regulation, simplifying in-home care services and increasing how much wealthier retirees pay toward non-clinical services were among the key changes set to kick in on July 1. But after months of warnings from the sector, Health Minister Mark Butler announced on Wednesday Labor was pushing the start date back by four months. 'We have been clear that we want to successfully deliver these reforms in the right way,' Mr Butler said in a joint statement with Aged Care Minister Sam Rae. 'We have received advice from the sector and experts that more time will improve the delivery of these reforms and minimise disruption. 'Following careful consideration, the government will recommend to the Governor-General ... that she proclaim the commencement of the new Aged Care Act to be 1 November 2025. 'This will allow more time for aged care providers to prepare their clients, support their workers and get their systems ready for the changes. 'It will also give us more time to finalise key operational and digital processes, and for parliament to consider supporting legislation that will enable the new act to operate effectively.' Treasurer Jim Chalmers told reporters the delay would have a 'modest' $900m impact on Commonwealth coffers over the next four years. The sector has welcomed the delay, with the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) saying it switched its position in recent weeks due to concerns 'older people don't have the necessary information to make informed choices'. 'Until now, OPAN has been steadfast in its call for the Act to be implemented, as promised, on 1 July 2025, because older people can't get the aged care they need without it,' OPAN chief executive Craig Gear said. 'However, over the past weeks it has become increasingly apparent that, while the macro design of the reform is solid, older people don't have the necessary information to make informed choices at an individual level, particularly around the new 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.' The Council on the Ageing (COTA) also welcomed the move. 'We wanted a 1 July start date so people didn't have to wait any longer for their rights than they already have, but ultimately, we concluded it's far more important to get it right and ensure that older people understand what will happen for them,' COTA chief executive Patricia Sparrow said. Ms Sparrow called on the Albanese government to continue releasing 'extra packages of support for people living at home and reduce the home care package wait list even with the delayed start for the new Support at Home program'. Meanwhile, the Coalition has blasted the delay as 'a clear admission of failure'. 'The government was warned,' opposition health spokeswoman Anne Ruston said in a statement. 'We put forward a responsible, measured amendment to ensure that their reforms could be rolled out safely and effectively, and Labor opposed it. 'The aged care sector has been crying out that the 1 July deadline was not deliverable without causing serious negative consequences.
The Advertiser
7 days ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
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.
