Peak bodies want newly elected government to make aged care a priority

ACSA has congratulated the Scott Morrison Government for their re-election, however, is looking for a promise from the Coalition that they will work together to respond to the needs of the ageing nation and to take action on the findings from the Royal Commission into Aged Care.

Patricia Sparrow, Chief Executive Officer of ACSA says the non-profit aged care sector wants to continually work closely with the Federal Government and is looking forward to future aged care achievements in parliament.

“While we are disappointed that the Royal Commission was used as an excuse to delay urgent reforms during the campaign – we are also feeling very optimistic about what can be achieved through the big national conversation we are now having about ageing and aged care,” says Ms Sparrow.

“The incoming Morrison government has a responsibility to relieve the significant pressures on services for older Australians right now. ACSA will deliver an incoming government brief to quickly engage as soon as the incoming Aged Care Minister is confirmed. We won’t be waiting for the Royal Commission to push for action.

“The reality that must be faced both by our sector and the incoming government is that currently, not everyone in Australia is getting the aged care they need. As we live longer as individuals and the population ages more broadly – our health and care needs are more complex and ultimately expensive.”

ACSA wants better plans for the ageing industry and its population, adding the only way to go forward is to work collaboratively together to create new solutions and help Australia deliver a better aged care industry.

LASA is also asking for the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, to improve the quality of aged care in Australia.

The priorities LASA wants the Coalition to address include, fixing the funding emergency in residential care, commit funding to meet the growing cost of high-quality care, maximum wait time limits of no more than three months for home care services, investing in workforce growth and development, and developing a national ageing well strategy.

Sean Rooney, LASA CEO, says if the Prime Minister wants to build a culture of respect for elderly Australians, Mr Morrison will need to implement strong leadership.

“If the Prime Minister is serious about this commitment to older Australians he must now elevate the responsible Minister into Cabinet,” says Mr Rooney.

“Reform of the aged care system must focus on the fundamentals that will make the aged care system better. While the important work of the Royal Commission continues, we must get on with the job of making the system better right now.

“Our sector stands ready to work with the Morrison Government to deliver a world class aged care system. Only a truly collaborative approach, where all players are respected and engaged, will deliver the outcomes older Australians need and deserve.”