The national body for the largest not-for-profit aged care provider network welcomes the release today of the much-anticipated Aged Care Taskforce Report.

“Australia’s aged care system requires fundamental, structural reform to ensure its financial sustainability, while guaranteeing high-quality care, a skilled workforce, and an equitable distribution of services. The UnitingCare Network has consistently advocated for a sustainable sector, with particular emphasis on ensuring a strong safety net so all people can access high quality care. We welcome the report as a constructive and positive step forward toward this ambitious reform,” said UnitingCare Australia National Director, Claerwen Little.

“But aged care today is under pressure and the Taskforce Report cannot be considered in isolation. It is a crucial part of the significant reforms currently underway, including the new Aged Care Act due to start on the 1st July this year, reforms to Home Care, the ongoing Fair Work Commission case, and a complex reset of the overarching regulatory framework.

UnitingCare Australia, on behalf of the UnitingCare network, has made a comprehensive submission to the Aged Care Act consultation process, and recommended a sensible and staged implementation of the proposed reforms, including the Statement of Rights.

“We call on the Government to urgently respond to this Report and release the financial chapter of the new Act. We must ensure that no one is worse off under the reforms, and the safety net is genuinely adequate for those without the means to contribute to their care,” Ms Little said.

“The Taskforce report also highlights the preference for older Australians to remain at home, yet the current Home Care system cannot meet demand. The release of significantly less Home Care packages in the current financial year, than in the preceding years, has increased waitlists to an average of 3-6 months across all package levels. The Government must urgently provide funding for 40,000 packages in the upcoming Federal Budget.

“We look forward to working with the Government and across the Parliament to ensure that all Australians can access the care they deserve”.

About UnitingCare Australia
UnitingCare Australia is the national body for the Uniting Church’s community services, the largest social services network in Australia. The UnitingCare network supports 1.4 million people every year across 1,600 sites in urban, rural, and remote communities, with over 50,000 staff and 30,000 volunteers. It is the largest network of not-for-profit aged care providers nationally, supporting 97,000 older people, comprising 8.5% of total residential beds and 10% of Home Care Packages nationally. Over 80% of our workforce and 60% of our services recipients are women.

Contact – Anna Page – annap@nat.unitingcare.org.au 0432 560 975