Anglicare welcomes new Aged Care Act to support older Australians
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Anglicare Southern Queensland has congratulated the Government and Opposition for agreeing on historic aged care reforms, including the introduction of a new rights-based Aged Care Act, to support all Australians now and into the future
Anglicare Southern Queensland has congratulated the Government and Opposition for agreeing on historic aged care reforms, including the introduction of a new rights-based Aged Care Act, to support all Australians now and into the future.
The $5.6 billion dollar initiative is set to support a growing number of older Australians who choose to maintain their independence and remain in their homes as they age.
Included in the package is the $4.3 billion dollar Support at Home program, which is scheduled to commence on 1 July 2025.
Anglicare Southern Queensland’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Anna Zilli, thanked both sides of Government for working together to ensure older Australians rights were put first.
“I would like to thank and congratulate both sides of Government on reaching bipartisan support on these historic aged care reforms and for putting older Australians and the future of aged care above party politics,” Ms Zilli said.
“Anglicare Southern Queensland have been providing quality care to thousands of vulnerable Queenslanders for more than 154 years and as one of the largest and most trusted aged care providers, these reforms will mean providers like ours can continue to deliver essential and quality support to those most vulnerable in our community.
“There have been more than 20 reviews of aged care in the last 20 years and none of them have led to real change. Now, that has finally changed with a new Aged Care Act that delivers on dozens of recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
“With the new Support at Home program to commence on 1 July 2025, this will help thousands of older Australians get the quality care they need, when they need it and where they need it.”
Australia’s population is ageing fast and it is estimated that by 2026, more than 22 per cent of Australians will be over the age of 65 – up from 16 per cent in 2020, which means the demand for aged care is set to spiral in the coming decades.
“These new reforms are all about improving the lives of older Australians and to ensure greater funding is given to providers to remain viable so they can continue supporting those most vulnerable now and into the future,” Ms Zilli said.
“We’re looking forward to the new Aged Care Act progressing through Parliament, which will provide certainty, supporting the sector to grow and meet the needs of a booming ageing population.”
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