Anika Wells elevated to cabinet

The Minister for Aged Care has been given a seat at the table with other senior ministers.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells has been promoted to cabinet.

During a press conference in Canberra on Thursday, Mr Albanese listed several updates to the cabinet and ministry, stating that Ms Wells has delivered an “outstanding” job to date as Minister for Aged Care.

Anthony Albanese (pm.gov.au)

“Anika Wells has delivered the most significant reforms on aged care this century with the legislation that passed through both houses of Parliament at the end of last year and has delivered on the commitments that were made,” he said.

“There is now a nurse in a nursing home, as they used to be called, 99 per cent of the time. There are literally millions of hours of additional care being given to our older Australians who deserve to live their later years with dignity and with respect.”

Ms Wells released a statement addressing her appointment, which she said was a privilege.

“I thank the Prime Minister for the opportunity to join his senior team to build a better, stronger, and fairer future for all Australians,” Ms Wells said.

“There is still more to do as we deliver the Aged Care Act and I look forward to continuing this work with senior portfolio Minister Mark Butler.”

Also on Thursday, Sector peak bodies have congratulated Ms Wells on her promotion.

Among them Older Persons Advocacy Network chief executive officer Craig Gear thanked Ms Wells for her “steady stewardship” of the new rights-based Aged Care Act through the parliamentary process.

“Minister Wells’ promotion not only acknowledges her significant achievements in a short space of time, it also gives aged care a designated seat at the table,” Mr Gear said in a statement.

Craig Gear (OPAN)

“OPAN looks forward to working with Minister Wells in implementing the new Aged Care Act and addressing some of the remaining issues older people have raised in relation to this ground-breaking piece of legislation.”

Anglicare Australia was also quick to congratulate Ms Wells on her new post.

Anglicare Australia executive director Kasy Chambers said the promotion signalled change in the way that aged care is perceived.

“The Government’s reforms to aged care are in a critical phase. This appointment shows that the Government is taking the transition seriously, and that it understands the importance of quality care for older people across the country,” Ms Chambers said in a statement.

“This news is also a vote of confidence in Minister Wells, who has worked alongside older people, their families, and the aged care sector to deliver a landmark Aged Care Act and vital changes that will improve care for everyone.”

Kasy Chambers (supplied)

She added: “We look forward to continuing to work with Minister Wells and the Government to see these changes through.

Ms Wells has overseen a number of key reforms, such as 24/7 nursing and wage increases for aged care staff since her appointment as Minister for Aged Care in mid-2022.

A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to occur at Government House, Canberra, on Monday 20 January 2025 at 9.30am.

This story was updated on 20 January 2025.

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Tags: aged care, anthony albanese, Craig Gear, Kasy Chambers, opan, reform,

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