Media event date: 3 April 2024
Date published: 3 April 2024
Media type: Statement
Audience: General public
Thank you to the older people, their families and carers, workers, advocates and aged care providers who shared their feedback on the draft new Aged Care Act.
We heard strong feedback that the proposed new Aged Care Act is a once in a generation opportunity for systemic reform that we must get right.
The Government is now considering the extensive and valuable feedback to refine and finalise the draft legislation before it is introduced to Parliament.
We will update the commencement date of the legislation following these updates and before the bill is introduced to the Parliament.
The new Act is an incredibly important milestone on the Albanese Government’s mission to lift the standard of aged care in Australia and deliver a high quality, person-centred service.
That is why the Government is committed to working with all members of Parliament to implement these reforms.
The Albanese Government has already implemented its five aged care election commitments, including 24/7 nursing, a record $11.3b pay rise for aged care workers and increased transparency through Dollars to Care.
We have also addressed 69 Royal Commission recommendations and our work is having a tangible impact. Since the election of the Albanese Government, older Australians are receiving an additional 2.16 million care minutes every single day.
There has been a reduction in the number of pressure injuries, physical restraints, significant unplanned weight loss and falls while we are also seeing improvements in the Star Ratings data, with fewer 1 and 2 star ratings and more 4 and 5 star ratings.
