The Australian Government is developing a National Strategy for the Care and Support Economy to ensure the nation can provide sustainable, high-quality care and support for Australians into the future and to make sure the people providing care services have secure jobs.
Public consultation on the draft strategy is now open, with those in the aged care, disability and veteran community invited to contribute.
The draft strategy identifies policy goals to deliver quality care and support, create safe and secure jobs that have decent wages and work conditions, as well as ensuring opportunities for career development, productivity and sustainability across the care and support system.
You may have seen aged care in the news lately. Residential aged care or nursing home closures and aged care funding are key topics at the moment. Highlighting this point, the Minister for Ageing The Hon Anika Wells MP recently addressed the National Press Club about introducing a Taskforce to review aged care funding.
Why are they key topics? The baby boomer and X generations will be needing increasing care over the next 20 years with the 70-100 year population more than doubling from 3 million to 6.5 million people over this time. There are not enough aged care places for this population with some aged care homes closing because of funding issues.
Garden Village welcomes the Federal Government’s efforts to reform the sector through the Draft National Care and Support Economy Strategy. The new Aged Care Taskforce will review aged care funding, with a focus on consumer contributions.
As an aged care provider with 40+ years of experience, we believe consumer contributions are increasingly essential to create sustainability in the aged care sector. Government funding alone is inadequate. Consumer contributions already exist in various forms and the Draft National Care and Support Economy Strategy provides a starting point to define what this would look like in the future.
Garden Village has a viable residential aged care service but it is not sustainable. We are working towards this sustainability and remain committed to retain our aged care service.
Community members are encouraged to have their say before the strategy’s finalisation. You can share your perspective by completing the online submission or emailing or writing to our CEO Craig Wearne. Garden Village is submitting a response to the draft strategy and appreciates your input. We will continue to monitor developments and keep our community updated.
Have your say through the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s website. Submissions close on 26 June 2023.
