In a significant development for Australia’s aged care system, the Aged Care Bill 2024 has passed the Senate with bipartisan support after several amendments.
This landmark legislation, introduced by the Albanese government, aims to implement sweeping reforms in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
The bill introduces a new fee structure that will see wealthy older Australians paying more for residential aged care, while also adding hundreds of thousands of new home care packages. These changes are designed to improve the sustainability of the aged care sector and enhance the quality of services provided.
Amendments included enhanced complaint handling, rights for aged care residents to access designated representatives, and Senate Committee oversight of new rules.
“The new act will put older people at it’s heart. And it will lay the foundations for our sector to not just survive but flourish after so many years of heading in the opposite direction.”
Tom Symondson, CEO, Aged & Community Care Providers Association
The bill enshrines a Statement of Rights, which outlines what older individuals can expect from aged care providers. This framework mandates that providers actively uphold these rights, shifting the focus from a provider-centered approach to one that prioritises the needs and choices of older Australians.
The government has also announced an Aged Care Transition Taskforce to guide the implementation of upcoming reforms, addressing sector concerns about complexity and timelines. Chaired by Anne Burgess AM, the taskforce will include diverse stakeholders, such as providers, advocates, clinical experts, and IT specialists.
Grants of up to $10,000 will be made available to providers to upgrade IT systems in preparation for the July 2025 deadline.
The bill is now set to be sent to the House of Representatives next week for final approval before becoming law.
