The report identifies several concerns the Inspector-General of aged care has, including co-payments and mainstreaming Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander aged care services.
The 218-page report assesses the government’s progress in responding to the royal commission recommendations and provides further recommendations on co-payments, dementia care, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elder care, among other reforms.
“There has been furious activity to make progress, but reforms have largely addressed isolated issues rather than driving the systemic change required,” said Ms Siegel-Brown.
“There is no doubt that the new aged care law largely promises the royal commission’s vision. But the community is still waiting on the actions needed to make this more than just a vision.
“Some of the reforms that have been implemented may create unintended consequences that could undermine the government’s policy and legislative intent.”
Ms Siegel-Brown emphasised that she has a shared vision with the government – a future where older Australians do not merely exist in aged care, but live connected, valued, and supported – and that she wants to make sure the legacy promised will be made real.
But although the new Aged Care Act represents an unprecedented commitment, the reform actions the royal commission said were needed are not yet there.