Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) has welcomed acknowledgement by the new Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells that aged and community care needs “urgent reform as quickly as possible” and that the situation is worse than initially thought.
ACCPA Interim CEO Paul Sadler said as the main industry advocate ACCPA had been raising the alarm for some time seeking urgent action to address workforce shortages and the funding shortfall identified by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
“In particular over the past week we have made it clear that the 1.7 per cent indexation announced 1 July as the amount by which aged care subsidies paid to providers will increase during 2022-23 falls is patently inadequate,” Mr Sadler said.
“With two thirds of aged care providers operating in deficit while still managing the impact of the pandemic with fewer staff than needed, something has to give.
“Ms Wells’ comment in an interview with The Guardian published today that, “every rock I turn over, it is worse than we thought …” rings true among providers right across Australia’s aged care sector.
Mr Sadler said that ACCPA is keen to work with the new Labor Government on advancing the aged care reform set out the Royal Commission so that Australia can achieve an aged care system with adequately resourced providers able deliver high quality care to older Australians.
“This means addressing pay and conditions for aged care workers and a sustainable funding model for the sector,” Mr Sadler said.
“We look forward to working with Ministers Butler and Wells on practical solutions which maintain important aged care and support services for older people.”
Media contact: Kate Hannon 0499 106 957 or Jane Garcia (Essential) 0455 111 593
About Aged & Community Care Providers Association:
The Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) is the national organisation representing all providers of aged care to older Australians, delivering retirement living, seniors housing, residential care, home care, community care and related services.
