AGED CARE REFORMS
& TRANSITION NEWS
ACCPA Reform Updates
Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) delivered a presentation at the National Sector Support and Development Network Meeting on 1 August 2023. This presentation provided updates on a number of things currently happening in the aged care sector.
There is yet to be further information on the Fair Work Commission’s wage increase, specifically regarding the timing and eligibility of the leave liability grant process, and the CHSP funding for above award wages.
The final report of the Independent Capability Review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission was released on 21 July, with 32 recommendations put forward for consideration. Specifically, one of the recommendations was to establish a senior level steering group to advise the Government on prioritisation and implementation of the recommendations.
In relation to home care, the single assessment system is due to start on 1 July 2024. The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority is also due to begin consultation in early 2024 for the pricing framework for aged care, for activity based funding. The Home Care Package pricing caps have also increased from 1 July 2023, to align with aware wage rises and indexation.
The definitions, roles and responsibilities, and qualifications of care management and “care partners” is being refined. This was raised in earlier consultations for the aged care regulatory framework, where the definitions and parameters were unclear. Providing clarity on these will ensure the services provided are appropriate and monitored.
Consultation Open: Foundations of the New Aged Care Act
Consultation is open for feedback on the new Aged Care Act, due to commence on 1 July 2024. The new Aged Care Act will be right-based and place the needs of older people at the Centre of the aged care system. The Aged Care Engagement Hub contains consultation papers, factsheets, a survey, and additional information on how to get involved. This feedback will inform the drafting of the new Act.
CHSP National Online Conference In-Home Aged Care: From the Head to the Heart!
When: 28 and 29 November 2023
Where: Online
How much: $100 for service providers, free for volunteers/community members
CHSP National Online Conference From the Head to the Heart! Will discuss all things in-home aged care support. This conference is an opportunity to hear the voices and experiences of older people, volunteers, carers, advocates, service providers, and frontline workers. Policymakers and researchers will also benefit from this conference, for updates on the latest about in-home support program. This event will deliver a keynote presentation, host panel discussion, and much more. For more information, please email at [email protected]
Aged Care Workforce Industry Council Closes due to Sector Reforms
Due to major industry changes, the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council (ACWIC) who was working since 2019 decided to shut down after four years of existence. The council will provide support to its employees and other organization stakeholders as they search for new jobs in the future. The Australian Government’s efforts to develop, educate, and support the aged care workforce are recognized by ACWIC. Aged care workers’ pay was also raised as a result of ACWIC guidance, which helped keep the sector’s reform on track. Additionally, the Council received funds from the Federal Government to create a free, online tool for workforce planning that allows aged care providers to detect skills gaps in their workforce and make plans for an adequate skill mix that was developed for the industry by the sector.
