AUSTRALIA | OPAN CEO Craig Gear has congratulated the new ministers appointed to health and aged care portfolios in the Government.
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has welcomed the new Cabinet and called for aged care reform to remain a priority for the re-elected Albanese Government.
OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM congratulated Mark Butler for retaining his health portfolio and welcomed Sam Rae as the new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors.
“We’d like to congratulate the Albanese Government for its re-election to a second term of Government,” Gear said.
“We especially look forward to working with the newly appointed Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae MP, and supporting him to implement the important aged care reforms currently underway.”
Gear also congratulated other members of the Government appointed to the Ministry, especially those in more supporting portfolios.
“Rebecca White will also play an important role as the new Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care and we are excited to work with her moving forward,” said Gear.
With the shift of portfolio from Anika Wells to Sam Rae, the aged care portfolio will no longer be held by a cabinet minister. Wells was appointed to the cabinet last year, which elevated the status and momentum of aged care with the promotion. Gear said aged care deserved a place among cabinet status.
“It is disappointing to see that aged care is no longer the responsibility of a Cabinet Minister, and we urge the Government not to deprioritise aged care reform at this crucial stage.”
He also urged the Government to not delay the New Aged Care Act further.
“It is important we do not see a delay to the commencement of the new Aged Care Act, which commences on 1 July 2025 – older people have waited too long for their rights to be enshrined in legislation,” said Rae.
“OPAN will continue to work productively with the Federal Government to ensure the rights of older people are front and centre.”
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