AUSTRALIA | OPAN has welcomed a new industry report on First Nations and a commissioner proposal for the Australian aged care sector.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has welcomed the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner’s report, calling it an important step forward for the sector.
The report, Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, outlined key findings and recommendations for the Commission going forward based on feedback received from older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM said members from OPAN’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advocates Network were consulted in the development of this report and now want to see action.
“I congratulate the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner Andrea Kelly for delivering this comprehensive and detailed report,” Gear said.
“OPAN endorses the recommendations, particularly the development of a 10-year transformation plan co-designed in genuine partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Gear added that OPAN agreed there was a need for a permanent role in order dedicated to the support of First Nations people in the aged care sector.
“We are also pleased to see the recommendation for a permanent Commissioner who can be dedicated to improving the aged care experience for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” said Gear.
“All older people deserve access to safe, high quality and above all, culturally appropriate aged care services. We need to keep moving on aged care reform, and the key to this is ensuring the new Aged Care Act takes effect on 1 July 2025, we cannot afford any further delays.”
Recently, OPAN congratulated the appointment of Aged Care Minister Anika Wells to Cabinet. Gear said that OPAN was committed to working with Minister wells on the important issues that face the sector.
“Minister Wells has set the agenda for aged care reform since she introduced the first crucial pieces of legislation to address outstanding recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission to Parliament two-and-a-half years ago.”
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