Federal Independent Member for Indi, Dr Helen Haines wants a stronger regional focus to address key issues in aged care, as debate in federal Parliament last week marked another step in the overhaul of the aged care system.
Speaking to the Bill in Parliament, Dr Haines expressed concern that the new Support at Home packages will not be large enough for regional participants, who face additional costs due to higher transportation costs and workforce shortages.
“It is important our aged care system is sustainable, now and well into the future, and this is the policy equivalent of knocking the house down and starting again,” Dr Haines said.
“For people in Indi, we have a much higher proportion of older people compared to the national average, and many people move to our beautiful towns to retire. This reform is crucial to their quality of life.”
“Across Indi, I hear from older people who do not receive the full benefit from their existing home care packages, because the cost of travel chews up their budgets too quickly.”
Dr Haines continued her push for attention on regional transport issues during Question Time, asking the Minister for Aged Care how the government will ensure regional and rural Australians won’t be disadvantaged by travel costs in delivering Support at Home care.
“The Minister, in responding to my question, said the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority will advise the government on services and pricing, particularly with respect to transport. I will be looking at this closely to see if this delivers better outcomes for regional people.”
The aged care reforms have been developed by the Labor Government, with consultation with the Coalition and other stakeholders before legislation was introduced to Parliament. The new Act will commence on 1 July 2025, with the government saying the ‘no worse off’ principle will provide certainty to people already in or assessed as needing home care or already in residential care that they won’t make a greater contribution to their care than they have already planned for.
Dr Haines supported expanded regulatory powers for the Aged Care and Quality and Safety Commission and the establishment of a new independent statutory complaints commissioner but said there was room to strengthen older persons’ rights and whistleblower protections.
“These were key recommendations, after shocking stories of abuse, neglect and violence were shared during the Royal Commission and in the years since. Unscrupulous providers and workers must be held accountable.
“I share concerns of some older peoples’ advocacy groups that not all rights will be enforceable and pathways for reviewing any decisions of the complaints commissioner will be limited.
“If an older person does not feel that the response to their complaint is sufficient, they should have fulsome review rights.
“We need an end to the fragmented, overlapping and inconsistent whistleblowing regime and the creation of a whistleblower protection authority.”
The reforms are yet to pass the House of Representatives before moving to the Senate, and could face amendments in both Houses of Parliament.
Dr Haines said she will be paying close attention to implementation of the new aged care system and taking concerns to the government as they emerge.
“I speak regularly with people using aged care services, as well as workers and providers, and this will continue as the new system come into effect.”
ENDS