Thu Sep 12 03:50:28 UTC 2024: ## Historic Aged Care Reforms Agreed Upon After Months of Negotiations
**Canberra, Australia** – After months of negotiations, the Albanese government and the Coalition have finally reached an agreement on sweeping reforms to the aged care sector, aimed at ensuring its “viability and quality.” The new Aged Care Act, which will be introduced to parliament today, will bring about significant changes to the way elderly Australians receive care.
“We will deliver historic aged care reforms to ensure the viability and quality of our aged care system,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, emphasizing the importance of supporting older Australians who wish to maintain their independence and remain in their homes as they age.
A key element of the reforms is a new $4.3 billion “Support at Home” program, scheduled to begin on July 1, 2024. This program is expected to benefit 1.4 million Australians by 2035, allowing them to live independently in their homes and communities for longer.
The reform package, totaling $5.6 billion, also includes stronger protections for Australians in aged care, enhanced investigative powers, and a “no worse off” principle for those already receiving care. Notably, there will be no changes to the treatment of family homes.
“Reforms like this don’t happen every day. They are once in a generation and this is very significant,” Prime Minister Albanese emphasized, expressing gratitude for the opposition’s constructive engagement throughout the process.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers highlighted the increasing demand for aged care services due to Australia’s growing elderly population, stating that aged care spending is expected to double as a share of the economy over the next decade. However, the reforms are projected to save $12.6 billion over the next 10 years, while also ensuring a higher standard of care for all Australians.
While the opposition welcomed the legislation, particularly the inclusion of their provisions, they criticized the government’s lack of transparency during the negotiations. “Australians who have worked hard their whole life must be dealt a fair deal,” said opposition aged care spokeswoman Anne Ruston, emphasizing the Coalition’s commitment to ensuring that current aged care recipients would not face increased costs.
The Coalition expressed disappointment over the “veil of secrecy” surrounding the negotiations, stating that they look forward to an open dialogue with older Australians and the aged care sector about the government’s proposed reforms.
The historic reforms signal a commitment to ensuring a high-quality and sustainable aged care system for all Australians, addressing the growing needs of an aging population and setting the stage for a future where older Australians can live with dignity and independence.
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