Positive budget for older people says OPAN CEO

He does say that it’s important that “those rights need to be enforceable, and deliver restorative justice.”

“I am pleased the work on the Act will continue and OPAN and others will work with government over the coming months to enable this to occur as soon as possible, and that this delivers ‘rights in practice’.” said Mr Gear.

“The allocated $81 million for implementation of the new Act, especially the design and development of IT supports, will go some way to ensure that. However further clarification is required how this will be designed and implemented.”

He was, however, disappointed to see further delays to the Support at Home program, which now won’t commence until 1 July 2025.

In his message in the OPAN newsletter, he also highlights key points of interest for older people outlined in the 2023 federal budget and says “Overall we think (it) is a comprehensive package”. Here’s a snapshot of some of the points he makes. For Mr Gear’s full message, click the link below.

Nutrition: $12.9 million boost for better nutrition will address improvements to dining experiences for aged care residents.

Workforce: $11.3 billion over four years. This is a massive investment by the Albanese government in supporting the valuing of the aged care workforce. We applaud those providers that have already committed to passing on the full 15% increase.

First Nations: The Budget’s focus on First Nations older people and the appointment of an interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner is heartening to see.

Home Care Packages: 9,500 additional packages. It will be important to target the right levels of support required, in the right locations, with the right enabling workforce.

Star Ratings: $126 million to enhance the system to deliver more robust and timely insights into the quality of residential aged care services.

Primary care/Residential interface: $112 million commitment over four years enabling more regular visits, health assessments and care planning in aged care homes through incentive payments to GPs.

Rural and Regional: Continuation of advisory services is encouraging to see.

Residential Care: Aged care recipients will have greater choice and control in decision making with $41.3 million in funding (over 4 years) for systems that will assign residential care places to people, not providers.

COVID-19: $536.6 million for aged care homes to address COVID-19 is an important investment as we’re not out of the woods yet.