As reported by the ABC, the government faces increasing scrutiny over whether it will table the new Aged Care Act in parliament by the end of 2024.
There are only seven more weeks this year when both chambers are sitting, and at the time of writing the legislation had been left off a draft version of the House of Representatives agenda for the remainder of the year, leading to fears that legislation may not be tabled until after the next election.
Advocates and industry leaders are pressing the government to introduce the legislation promptly, citing the critical need for reforms to address ongoing issues impacting the sector, including inadequate staffing and care standards, together with ongoing financial headwinds.
The new Act is seen as crucial for the government to fulfil its promise to improve aged care, a key issue that was central to the Albanese government’s campaign in the last election.
Aged and Community Care Providers Association chief executive Tom Symondson said introducing the act was “incredibly urgent” and “has to be done” within a fortnight.
“We’ve got an election, we’ve got Christmas – there really isn’t very much time left to get this legislation done in advance of 1 July next year,” Mr Symondson added.
“If we don’t get that, then my fear is we will not see serious reform in aged care again for a number of years because everybody will put it in the too-hard basket.”
Tom Symondson
Recent news that the government awarded $23 million in contracts to Accenture and Scyne to support the rollout of the new Aged Care Act raised hopes in some quarters. These contracts focus on enhancing digital systems and improving regulatory compliance in the aged care sector.
