Intense pressure is mounting on the Albanese Government to deliver on promised changes to aged care, as advocates fear the reforms won’t be introduced before the next federal election. Source: ABC News.
The sector has been on edge for weeks after Labor’s new Aged Care Act – a fundamental recommendation from the scathing royal commission – was not introduced before the five-week parliamentary winter break, having already been delayed.
There are now concerns that unless the new act is promptly introduced when politicians return to Canberra this week, there won’t be enough time for it to become law before Australians head to the polls.
There are just seven more weeks this year when both chambers are sitting – and an election looming.
Hopes have now been further dashed, with the legislation left off a draft version of the House of Representatives’ agenda for the remainder of the year.
The Government says it has been having “constructive” discussions with the Coalition and will introduce the act as soon as possible, hoping for bipartisan support.
But it is unclear when that will be, as debate about recommendations from a government task force – which included getting wealthier Australians to pay more for care – spurs on.
Ian Yates, the Acting Inspector-General of Aged Care who oversees Australia’s aged care system, said it was “critical” the act was not pushed back, noting the deadline had already been twice delayed.
A government spokesperson said it was examining responses to the act’s exposure draft, noting advocates had strongly supported imposing criminal penalties to stamp out mistreatment of older people.
“We are working through this feedback in preparation to introduce the new Aged Care Act to Parliament as soon as possible,” the spokesperson said.
Shadow Aged Care Minister Anne Ruston said the Coalition had given a “clear offer of bipartisanship on sensible aged care policies” and remained open to conversations with the Government, but wanted further detail.
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Pressure intensifies for federal government to deliver on aged care reforms before election (By Evelyn Manfield, ABC News)
