The Hon Anika Wells MP
Minister for Aged Care
Minister for Sport
The Australian Government today passed legislation requiring aged care homes to have around-the-clock nursing care, a key election commitment.
The Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022 delivers on the Government's commitment to have 24/7 access to a registered nurse in residential aged care services.
This Bill will help older Australians living in residential aged care receive immediate clinical attention when needed. It will mean fewer unnecessary trips to hospital, leading to better care outcomes.
It also includes measures to make sure public dollars are being spent on care with the publication of regular financial and operational reporting from approved providers.
This will include how much is spent on care, nursing, food, maintenance, cleaning, administration, and profits.
These changes will provide older Australians, their families and carers with practical information to help make more informed aged care decisions.
The legislation also bans exit fees and enables the capping of administration and management charges in the Home Care Packages Program.
These changes provide older Australians more informed choices to get the best value for money in their package and ensure the majority of government funding is being spent to meet their care needs.
Labor is committed to restoring dignity and humanity in aged care and this is one more step on the journey to delivering the care older Australians deserve.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells
"This legislation demonstrates our commitment to making public what aged care providers are spending their money on, ensuring a fair and transparent system for our older Australians, their families and carers.
"24/7 registered nurses in residential aged care is a significant change to ensure high quality care for older Australians.
"This will be supported by the initiatives we have in place to grow the workforce and boost the skills of aged care nurses.
"Transparency is paramount to care recipients' informed choice and control, and we want to see taxpayer funds being spent on what they are meant for, which is improving the care of older Australians."
