The Australian Government congratulates the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council on its official launch of the Voluntary Industry Code of Practice.
Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, Richard Colbeck said the Code of Practice is already receiving strong early support from the aged care sector, as some of Australia's largest providers pledge their commitment to quality care.
"This Code of Practice is the first of its kind for the aged care sector in Australia," Minister Colbeck said.
"It is based on seven guiding principles for quality care and will be a transformative tool for Australia's aged care sector.
"Importantly, this Code of Practice tells Australians that the aged care sector has aspirations for excellence, and will hold itself accountable to the community."
Minister Colbeck said the launch with industry and workforce leaders marks a new chapter in the delivery of quality aged care services in Australia.
Most importantly, it highlights the process of continuous improvement of aged care services in Australia, as a feature of adopting the principles of the Code.
The Voluntary Industry Code of Practice was developed, in consultation with consumers, providers, and peak bodies, and is an achievement against strategic action 2 from A Matter of Care, Australia's Aged Care Workforce Strategy.
The Code of Practice is a centrepiece of the strategy, and provides the framework for a culture of proactive reform from aged care providers.
"The Government is supporting work to implement the strategy with $10.3 million over three years allocated in the 2020-21 Budget," Minister Colbeck said.
"This investment will support ACWIC to lead nine projects, and help implement other actions from the strategy.
"This additional funding builds on $2.3 million the Government previously delivered to support the establishment of the ACWIC and kick-start its important work.
"The Code of Practice underpins the values and principles for delivering quality care to our senior Australians.
"In practice, these principles will better support the aged care workforce in its critical role of caring for, and delivering services to, older Australians."
Minister Colbeck commended the Aged Care Workforce Industry Council and the sector for showing commitment to tangible reform.
"The fact that industry has reached this milestone during a year of such disruption, due to COVID-19, is a testament to the sector's commitment to cultural change," he said.
"It's a demonstration the sector will work to meet - and exceed - the community's high expectations when the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety releases its final report in February."
