The current aged care reforms have been an ongoing priority for communities and aged care providers in Western Sydney. Over the past two years, the Australian Government has been engaging with the aged care sector to ensure they are ready for the new Aged Care Act, which is set to take effect on 1 July 2025. The consultation process has been structured into multiple stages, each addressing specific aspects of the legislation, aiming to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to the implementation of the new Aged Care Act.
As part of this process, Western Sydney Community Forum has put forward a submission on Stage 4B, which covers the remaining rules, including eligibility for entry, assessment and reassessment processes, provider registration and service agreements. This submission offered the following four recommendations:
- Ensure that there is equitable access to timely and appropriate high-quality funded aged care services, regardless of location, background or life experience.
- Address barriers in the assessment process for diverse communities, and ensure that co-payments are affordable for all clients.
- Take steps to make provider registration more accessible and affordable, and provide clarity and ongoing support to meet provider obligations.
- Continue to invest in sector support and development, to meet the sector’s need for affordable and relevant development opportunities.
