Aged Care Act discussions continue
Peak bodies and advocacy groups have met to provide feedback to the aged care minister on the proposed framework of the new Aged Care Act.

Peak bodies and advocacy groups have met to provide feedback to the aged care minister on the proposed framework of the new Aged Care Act.
The redrafted rights-based Act – which was a recommendation of the royal commission – will come into effect from 1 July 2024.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells, who attended the meeting remotely, said on social media: “The new Aged Care Act will respect and uphold the rights of older people in our aged care system. Today, a group of passionate advocates came together to provide feedback on the proposed foundational elements.”
Among the peaks and advocates at the meeting:
- Aged & Community Care Providers Association
- Aged Care Council of Elders
- Older Persons Advocacy Network
- Council on the Ageing Australia
- National Aged Care Advisory Council
- Quality Aged Care Action Group
- Carers Australia
- Meals on Wheels Australia.

The government is also seeking input from older people, their families and carers.
Developed by the Department of Health and Aged Care, a consultation paper outlining the proposed foundations of the new Act is now online awaiting people’s comments.
“Older people are at the coal face of aged care.”
Meanwhile, COTA Australia and OPAN are hosting a series of forums across the country over the coming weeks also seeking input from older Australians.

“Older people are at the coal face of aged care. They have firsthand experience of what works, and what doesn’t,” OPAN CEO Craig Gear told Community Care Review earlier this month.
Their feedback is important, said Mr Gear. “Not only can older people, their families and carers help the government understand community expectations, they are in a unique position to identify gaps in the system.”
He added: “They can also provide rich and detailed information about how Australia can better deliver aged care.”
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