AGED CARE REFORMS
& TRANSITION NEWS
Minister Wells Outlines the Future of Reforms
Anika Wells, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport, spoke at the National Press Club on Wednesday 7 June. She outlined the progress and achievements regarding the Royal Commission recommendations so far. She also provided a roadmap detailing a timeline of key goals, dates, activities and other elements for the future of reform, until July 2025. This roadmap will help the aged care sector to prepare for the changes ahead to improve aged care for older people. The dates are subject to change and will be updated regularly.
Read the transcript of Minister Wells’ speech
Workbook: Transitioning to the New In-Home Aged Care Program
The In-Home Aged Care program workbook for providers is aimed at supporting service providers (particularly those providing CHSP services) to undertake a reflective process regarding the new In-home Aged Care program and what it means for their organisation.This workbook provided the summary of all the latest announcements and information about what we know from the department of age care and commission, and it contains updated resources for updating your systems and procedures.
Grant Opportunity GO6223: 2023 COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program
The Australian Government has committed for the 2023 COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program Grant. Eligible providers of residential and home care services will have the opportunity to apply for reimbursement of eligible costs incurred due to COVID-19 outbreaks between 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023. This grant will close on 3 April 2024 at 2.00pm (ACT Local Time).
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Wage Increase Update
A letter by Russell Herald, Assistant Secretary, Home Support Operations Branch and Emma Gleeson, Assistant Secretary, Workforce Branch has been sent regarding the increase in award wages for CHSP providers and aged care workers. The letter outlines who will benefit from the 15% wage increase, and provides information on the different awards that are covered as well as frequently asked questions. A webinar was also held on 15 June 2023 detailing how this increase would come into effect for different workers, including information on funding arrangements and guidance material for providers. The slide presentation from this webinar has been made available.