The Federal Minister for Aged Care recently announced that the Australian Government is considering the extensive and valuable feedback on the new Aged Care Act. Minister Wells has said the Government will be working to refine and finalise the draft legislation before it is introduced to Parliament, and is now reconsidering the commencement date of the legislation.
Palliative Care NSW and one of our specialist networks, the Palliative Aged Care Network (PACN) recently contributed to the submission by Palliative Care Australia on the New Aged Care Act Exposure Draft.
This submission was an opportunity to provide advice on the new Aged Care Act – Exposure Draft. All state and territory peak bodies agreed that the new rights-based Act will provide an appropriate legislative basis for the significant reforms underway in aged care, including vital work to ensure equitable access to palliative care in aged care. Of particular note is the inclusion of a right to equitable access to palliative and end-of-life care when required for all people seeking or using Commonwealth-funded aged care.
To read the full submission click here: Submission to the New Aged Care Act Exposure Draft
Although the formal feedback period on these reforms has ended the Department of Health and Aged Care is still encouraging anyone with comments or questions to reach out to them HERE