Independent MP for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie had a win in federal Parliament last week, with both the Government and Opposition backing her amendments to new aged care reforms.

Ms Sharkie supported passage of the Aged Care Bill 2024 through the House of Representatives, to progress implementation of a new aged care system with older people at its heart, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety in March 2021.

She says her amendments will ensure the once-in-a-generation aged care reforms will be reviewed in a thorough and timely manner, to make sure they are operating as intended.

But, she says, unanswered questions remain about increased fees, the impact on those suffering hardship, and grandfathering of existing conditions.

“I do not want to hold up once-in-a-generation reforms to aged care, more than three years after the Royal Commission showed a system plagued by neglect. But we need to ensure any future Act is achieving what is intended so that we can address any unintended consequences.

“I am pleased to have secured Government and Opposition support for a sensible approach to review, working with Minister for Aged Care, Hon Anika Wells MP, and Shadow Minister for Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston.

“I am also thankful to my constituents, to COTA, National Seniors Australia, the Older Persons Advocacy Network, and the Aged and Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) for their feedback on the Bill. This has been reflected in my questions during debate. I hope that answers will be clarified when the Bill is in the Senate.

“My next priority is to ensure consultation with older people and advocates in developing subordinate rules and service lists, and we need a smooth transition for people receiving funded aged care services, as well as providers of their care.'

“In the meantime, 76,000 older Australians are waiting up to 12-15 months for aged care at home,” Ms Sharkie says.

“ACCPA says an additional 55,000 home care packages are urgently needed to keep up with the growing demand, and 73 per cent of its members said they could deliver additional home care if funded. 

“While this could cost up to $1.8 billion, that does not reflect savings to Government from increased contributions from older people, nor savings due to a delay in people taking up more costly residential aged care if they instead receive the care they need to live well at home for longer.

“I asked the Minister during debate what the Government's plan is to fix this horrendous waiting list. She did not provide an answer. 

“We have consecutive budget surpluses and unless the Government properly resources home care now, reform will just be academic and the new system will inherit egregious delays that have seen some older people dying while waiting for aged care.”