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Catholic Health Australia has been actively campaigning for changes on the new Aged Care Act, including delays to the introduction of the Act into parliament to support critical policy work.
The Exposure Draft of the new Act was released for consultation in December last year. Since then, the Department has been consulting and refining the legislation to prepare for its introduction into Parliament.
Minister Anika Wells issued a statement announcing the commencement date for the new Aged Care Act would be updated to reflect strong feedback from the sector.
Leaked documents from the Department indicate a commencement date of January or July 2025. CHA is anticipating that the Bill will be introduced into parliament around August this year and is in discussions with the Department and Minister’s office on key issues.
Some targeted consultations are being held with the Council of the Elders and National Aged Care Advisory Council. However, the government and the Department are yet to provide public comment about the process and timeframes. A report has been provided to the Minister following the consultation process but the government has yet to release its findings.
CHA has put forward a proposal to government to establish a Working Group to address policy issues in the Act in conjunction with other sector stakeholders, and will be advocating for further consultation ahead of the Bill’s introduction into Parliament.
Other critical issues that are of focus in our advocacy efforts include:
- Recognition of the rights of workers in the new Act
- Addressing critical issues with the Statutory Duties and associated penalties
- Delayed introduction of the Act into parliament until critical policy work and consultation is completed
- Addressing policy gaps in the supporters and representatives chapter
- Ensuring there are adequate transition arrangements to support the sector to adopt the reform.
By Laura Haylen, Director Aged Care Policy, CHA
Read our Aged Care pre-budget submission.
