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News.com.au
5 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
5 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.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
57 percent pay rise for politicians after Albanese win
By Published: | Updated: Australia's newest ministers are in for big pay rises following Labor's landslide election win - including some still aged in their thirties. Anthony Albanese is the highest paid around the Cabinet table at $607,516, followed by his deputy Richard Marles on $479,003 and Treasurer Jim Chalmers on $438,113, although these salaries are unchanged from their previous term. The biggest pay rises went to new Melbourne-based ministers elevated from the backbench on Tuesday when they were sworn in by Governor-General Sam Mostyn . These MPs have been promoted from the backbench to the outer ministry, increasing their base salaries by 57.5 per cent, from $233,660 to $368,015. Sam Rae (pictured left) at just 38 has been appointed the new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, as a former Labor state secretary. He's joined in that salary jump by Daniel Mulino, an economist with a PhD from Yale, who has been appointed Assistant Treasurer; and Jess Walsh, a former union leader who now holds the Early Childhood Education portfolio. Two high-profile women have moved into the 23-member cabinet from the outer ministry - with their salary hiked from $368,015 to $403,064. They are Anne Aly (pictured left), a former academic and Perth-based MP, who now has the International Development, Multicultural Affairs and Small Business portfolios; plus former Brisbane-based lawyer Anika Wells, 39, who is moving into Cabinet with the Communications portfolio. Tim Ayres, a senator for NSW, got a 38 per cent pay rise and is the new Industry Innovation and Science Minister, earning $403,064 - up 38 per cent from his previous assistant minister job. New assistant ministers will earn a salary of $292,075. These include Rebecca White, the former Tasmanian Opposition Leader who is now the Assistant Minister for Health, Aged Care and Women. Also among their number are Andrew Charlton, an economist who moves from the backbench to become Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy; Peter Khalil, the new Assistant Minister for Defence; and Josh Wilson, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Senior ministers Tanya Pilbersek (now Social Services), Amanda Rishworth (Employment and Workplace Relations) and Michelle Rowland (Attorney-General) keep their $403,064 salary. The most senior ministers Penny Wong (pictured) (Foreign Affairs) and Jim Chalmers (Treasurer) earn $438,113 while Katy Gallagher (Finance) earns a little less at $408,905. Backbenchers get a base salary of $233,660. The Remuneration Tribunal determines the base pay of federal MPs every year, along with loadings for senior Cabinet ministers, junior ministers, assistant ministers and those who head parliamentary committees. New pay rises for all MPs come into effect in July, flowing through to backbenchers all the way up to the PM. But the loading formula for ministers remains the same, including those with extra duties managing government business in the Senate. Not everyone was a winner. Josh Burns, the Melbourne-based MP, was appointed a special envoy for social housing and homelessness - but unlike assistant ministers, doesn't get a 25 per cent loading on top of a backbencher's base salary of $233,660. And then the pay cuts... Former ministers suffered a 42 per cent pay cut, seeing their salaries fall from $403,064 down to $233,660. Former industry minister Ed Husic and attorney-general Mark Dreyfus will suffer big salary hits after Marles declined to use his clout as a Right faction leader to save them.
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
How much is Anthony Albanese paid?
Australia's newest ministers are in for big pay rises following Labor's landslide election win - including some still in their thirties. Anthony Albanese is the highest paid around the Cabinet table at $607,516, followed by his deputy Richard Marles on $479,003 and Treasurer Jim Chalmers on $438,113, although these salaries are unchanged from their previous term. But the biggest pay rises went to new Melbourne-based ministers moving from the backbench on Tuesday, as they were sworn in by Governor-General Sam Mostyn. New Outer Ministers (One Step Below Cabinet) These MPs have been promoted from the backbench to the outer ministry, increasing their base salaries by 57.5%, from $233,660 to $368,015: Sam Rae (38) – New Minister for Aged Care and Seniors; previously Labor's Victorian state secretary, now Australia's youngest minister. Daniel Mulino – Economist with a PhD from Yale; appointed Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister. Jess Walsh – Former union leader now Minister for Early Childhood Education and Youth. New cabinet ministers on $403,064, marking a 9.5% rise from outer ministry salary of $368,015 High-profile women have moved into the 23-member cabinet from the outer ministry. Anne Aly - Former academic and Perth-based MP, now has the International Development, Multicultural Affairs and Small Business portfolios. Anika Wells (39) - Brisbane-based MP is moving into Cabinet with the Communications portfolio, adding this to Sport but dropping aged care. New cabinet minister on $403,064 getting 38% pay rise from $292,075 as an assistant minister Tim Ayres - A senator for NSW is the new Industry, Innovation and Science Minister, replacing Husic. New Assistant Ministers getting $292,075 salary Rebecca White - Former Tasmanian Opposition Leader Rebecca White becomes the Assistant Minister for Heath, Aged Care and Women as a first-term federal MP. Andrew Charlton - Parramatta-based economist moves from backbench to new role of Cabinet Secretary and Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy. Peter Khalil - Melbourne-based MP is the Assistant Minister for Defence. Josh Wilson - Member for Fremantle is the new Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy. Tanya Plibersek - High profile former environment minister from Sydney moves to Social Services portfolio, putting her in charge of Centrelink payments from JobSeeker for the unemployed to the Age Pension, Youth Allowance and parenting benefits. Amanda Rishworth - Adelaide MP moves from social services to Employment and Workplace Relations. Michelle Rowland - Western Sydney MP becomes the new Attorney-General after serving as the previous communications minister in charge of a misinformation and disinformation bill that was dropped last year. Chalmers - Brisbane-based Treasurer earns the same. Backbenchers get a base salary of $233,660 The Remuneration Tribunal determines the base pay of federal MPs every year, along with loadings for senior Cabinet ministers, junior ministers, assistant ministers and those who head parliamentary committees. Others Josh Burns - Melbourne-based MP Josh Burns has been appointed a Special Envoy for Social Housing and Homelessness. Unlike assistant ministers, he doesn't get a 25 per cent loading on top of a backbencher's base salary of $233,660. Former ministers suffer 42% pay cut, seeing salaries fall from $403,064 down to $233,660 Rae and Mulino went to the ministry after Marles orchestrated the dumping of former industry minister Ed Husic and former attorney-general Mark Dreyfus from Cabinet.
The Guardian
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Political influence and powerful allies: how relative unknown Sam Rae catapulted himself into Labor's ministry
Moments after securing a landslide victory at the 2018 state election, a triumphant Daniel Andrews showered praise on his young campaign director, Sam Rae, who has now been fast-tracked to become a federal minister at just 38 years old. Rae remains an unknown figure to many outside Victoria, where he wielded political influence and cultivated powerful allies long before entering federal parliament in 2021 as the member for Hawke, on Melbourne's north-western fringe. His elevation to minister for aged care and seniors, just like his preselection in Hawke, came after a bruising factional fight. Rae, along with fellow Victorian rightwinger Daniel Mulino, was promoted after frontbenchers Ed Husic and Mark Dreyfus were dumped. Labor insiders concede the demotions were brutal. Rae's promotion has raised some eyebrows within Labor, including from former prime minister Paul Keating, who described Rae's Victorian right faction as 'demonstrably devoid of creativity and capacity'. Victorian Labor sources insist this criticism is unfair and fails to reflect Rae's experience. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email Rae worked as a factory labourer, a call centre operator and a childcare worker before becoming an electorate officer and adviser to former communications minister and Victorian right-faction power broker Stephen Conroy in 2015. In his first speech to parliament, Rae listed Conroy as a mentor along with Labor power broker Don Farrell and the deputy prime minister, Richard Marles, who leads the Victorian right faction. On Sunday, Husic accused Marles of being a 'factional assassin' who had orchestrated his demise. After six years with Conroy, Rae moved to Victorian Labor and ran its research and tactics unit. He then became the state party's secretary and ran the 2018 Labor campaign, which secured Daniel Andrews a second term. Rae worked alongside pollster Kos Samaras, who was not surprised by his promotion. 'He grew up in a single parent household with two other brothers and worked in factories to get himself through university,' Samaras said. 'It's not exactly been a blessed life. This is the sort of person you definitely want in the cabinet.' Samaras said Rae had shown 'an incredible ability to grasp huge complex logistical problems' during the 2018 state election, which he described as the best campaign he had worked on. Months after the 2018 election, Rae became a partner at PwC Australia. During this period, Rae worked with James MacKenzie, who is the chair of law firm Slater & Gordon and a board member of the Suburban Rail Loop Authority. MacKenzie is a Labor stalwart who overhauled the Victorian ALP headquarters in the late 1970s. Rae is 'definitely not a political hack,' said MacKenzie, who worked with him on non-government projects. 'The factions don't give out MBAs. The sort of work I engaged with while he was a partner at PwC was akin to serious policy work; that is what he brings to the table. 'I was impressed by his understanding of what is a well-formulated and well-structured policy and his broad business understanding. It's not very often you come across a 'political hack' who understands what the cost of capital is.' Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Rae left PwC Australia after being preselected to run in the seat of Hawke, which also unleashed factional divisions. Some members aligned to former leader Bill Shorten wanted a woman selected. But Rae was selected by Labor's national executive, not branch members, due to the state branch being placed into administration after branch-stacking allegations. Several unions argued there should have been a ballot, and unsuccessfully launched court action to overturn the national executive's intervention. As an MP, Rae lists campaigning to deliver urgent care clinics to Sunbury and Melton among his greatest achievements. He told Guardian Australia he 'was a massive pain in the arse' within the party to ensure the money was allocated. One former senior Victorian Labor staffer, who worked with Rae but declined to be named so they could speak freely, said criticism of him as an unknown factional player was 'unfair'. 'He's a member of Labor's national executive, for one,' the source said. 'He's a deep thinker and you don't lead a landslide victory at a state election without having an understanding of both policy and politics.' In a statement, Rae said he was 'deeply honoured to have been asked to serve as minister for aged care and seniors'. 'It's a challenging portfolio and I'm proud to take it alongside Labor's talented team,' Rae said. 'There's a lot of work to do and we're ready to get started.'
