industry & policy
of mutual respect and credibility,
with LASA being authoritative and
always acting with integrity. These are
fundamentals in dealing with the complex
and important issues of aged-care
policy and funding. Such constructive
relationships will be critical if we are to be
successful in working with government
and others in setting the right directions
for policy now and into the future.
Wyatt pledges commitment
Meanwhile, Wyatt recently addressed
the National Aged Care Alliance (NACA)
and confirmed his intention to work with
the sector, wanting full consultation
processes and to encourage innovation.
The minister realises the enormous tasks
ahead and sees the roadmap (developed
by the Aged Care Sector Committee) as
an essential base, with solid foundation
and sound thinking towards a demanddriven industry. In responding to
questions on whether government will
endorse the roadmap, Wyatt suggested
that elements of it were pragmatic, and
he wants to consider how they fit into
existing arrangements.
Workforce issues were also discussed,
including the training capacity of RTOs; the
intention is to ensure students are ‘work
ready’ upon graduation.
The government and the Department
of Health are open to working with the
industry to consider alternative ways
of meeting the 2016 Budget savings
other than the upcoming ACFI changes.
However, any suggestions need to result
in the same predicted savings. In response
to recent representations from LASA and
others, the minister has directed Health to
release the financial modelling used as a
basis for the finding cuts and also wants
to consider opportunities to redress rural
and remote funding problems, including a
possible alternative funding model.
Wyatt is also seeking advice from the
primary health networks as to how they
are making resources, such as allied health,
available to the aged-care sector.
Independent review of the ‘Living
Longer, Living Better’ reforms
Over the next 12 months, the government
must deliver an independent review of the
Living Longer, Living Better reforms.
This will be critical for both industry and
government, and absolutely must involve
aged-care providers. LASA looks forward
to working closely with Ley and Wyatt on
the review and its findings.
Aged care is at a critical point; up to
5 million more seniors will need these
services over the next decade. Preparing
for this requires funding and policy stability,
neither of which are in place.
There is no doubt the best way to ensure
accessible, affordable, quality aged-care
services is through collaboration among
government, peak bodies and providers. I am
optimistic that through our efforts, combined
with those of the sector, we can achieve a
viable and sustainable aged-care industry. n
Sean Rooney is chief executive of Leading
Age Care Services Australia.
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