Anglicare Australia has welcomed aged care measures in the Federal Budget, which supports the transition to a new aged care system and continues essential aged care reforms.
This includes funding to meet requirements under the new Act and another round of pay increases for aged care workers.
“The Royal Commission handed down its recommendations in 2021, and older people have now been waiting for change for four years,” said Anglicare Australia Executive Director Kasy Chambers.
“Older people deserve access to quality care where and when they need it. This Budget locks in vital funding to continue reform and support the sector to transition to a new system from July.
“The next step will be to make sure that older people see real change, by cutting wait times for care and helping people age at home.
"This means delivering care to more people at home, and ensuring older people have homes they can afford to age in. We hope to work with the next Government to stop older from retiring into poverty and housing insecurity.”
Anglicare Australia also praised the Government’s funding for pay increases for aged care workers, with the final round of increases from the Fair Work decision now fully funded.
“Aged care workers have been undervalued for too long. Many have had to leave the sector altogether. Tonight, the Government has shown real commitment by fully funding the final stage of their pay increase, recognising and valuing the crucial work aged care workers do.”
Chambers called for further action to ensure a sustainable funding model for aged care.
“Older Australians need a system they can trust to provide the care they deserve. The entire aged care system must be funded fairly and sustainably. We hope the Government will build on tonight’s Budget with a long-term plan for a sustainable aged care system.”
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