Setting ‘policy pace’ for the industry
More than 60 senior aged care provider members, delivering the full spectrum of age services in both private and not for profit facilities, together formed a policy blue print for the age services industry in Melbourne last week.
Patrick Reid, Leading Age Services Australia (LASA) chief executive, says some of the “best and brightest” gathered with clear intent to develop and implement policies to ensure Australia can meet its social obligations and provide high quality care and accommodation to older Australians.
“Ageing is a 13 billion industry, second only in volume to the state hospital system. In terms of responsible financial management, ongoing service stability and most importantly protection of Australia’s most vulnerable people it is essential that as an industry we lead the policy agenda,” Mr Reid says.
LASA’s membership base spans large private operators, regional not for profit and mission based providers and also those providing specialist cultural services and even care to homeless older Australians.
The policy blue print covers:
- access to care
- residential accommodation pricing
- workforce
- quality provision
- consumer directed care
- diversity and additional needs
- retirement living
- technology and innovation.
Michelle de Ronchi, Western Australia’s St Ives Group chief operating officer, says it’s good to see that across the country a consolidated and clear vision and key policies to enable LASA to move forward with.
Ingrid Williams, managing director of Victoria’s Elm Aged Living, adds it was an “extremely powerful day”, with providers from all over Australia in a room together contributing to an important policy document which will pave the way for the future of aged care.
According to Mr Reid, senior advisers from both Minister Fifield’s and Andrews’ offices were present, demonstrating the importance of a strong, clear and united voice across age services.
“With the demands on workforce and funding yesterday’s event drew a line in the sand. From here on age services will be recognised as a critical human service,” Mr Reid says.
“To date governments have expected providers to provide greater services with less funding. This action by government places older Australians in jeopardy and will not be tolerated by LASA.
“As the peak body LASA is well placed to provide government and policy makers with essential data to ensure quality services continue. LASA’s approach is not ‘watchful waiting’, preferring a proactive approach.”
LASA expects the finalised blueprint to be available by the end of this month.
