Testimony before the Senate Committee on Aged Care Reform have exposed deficiencies in Australia’s aged care system.
Leanne Groombridge, CEO of Advocacy Tasmania, alongside witnesses Helen and Susan—who have lived the experience—painted a stark picture of inadequate penalties, untrained staff, and systemic failures that leave residents without a voice.
Their message to lawmakers was unequivocal, the current aged care bill will maintain the status quo unless sweeping changes are made.
These representatives delivered a forceful demand for immediate and meaningful reform. They called for reinstating criminal and civil penalties, improving workforce training, establishing independent oversight, addressing transport inequities, and revamping the complaints process.
“We cannot afford to let this bill pass without significant reforms,” Groombridge stated, urging the government to engage in meaningful consultations with advocates.
Call for Greater Penalties
Susan, who recently lost her husband in an aged care facility in Tasmania, stressed the importance of reinstating criminal penalties for aged care senior executives and boards. Without these deterrents, providers have little incentive to meet quality standards.
Groombridge echoed this sentiment, noting that civil penalties had been diluted in the latest draft of the legislation and should return to their original strength.
“Without enforceable penalties, aged care providers will continue to operate with impunity,” she warned, highlighting that the absence of such provisions leaves vulnerable older Australians at risk.
Under the arrangements, the taxpayer will cover 100 percent of clinical care services, such as cleaning, nursing, showering, and meal preparation.
The “lifetime contribution cap” will be lifted from $78,000 to $130,000, meaning seniors will not need to pay any more for non-clinical care costs, regardless of their means.
Concerns About Skills, Training
The representatives also called for the introduction of a minimum qualification level and formal dementia training for all care workers.Groombridge said a national registration system for aged care workers should be established to ensure that only qualified individuals are allowed to care for residents, particularly those with complex needs.
Independent Arbiter Needed
Susan also shared her frustration with the current complaints system, arguing that aged care providers should not be allowed to self-report on their compliance.Groombridge called for the establishment of a truly independent regulator, stating, “The current oversight model lacks teeth.”
Transport Inequities in Regional Areas
Helen’s personal struggle with accessing healthcare in regional Tasmania adds another dimension to the call for reform.Changes in the Home Care Package regulations in early 2024 have caused her transport fees to skyrocket, from subsidised rates to over $120 per trip, making it difficult for her to continue necessary treatments.
Susan, who also lives in a rural area, raised similar concerns about the inadequacies in transport services that disproportionately affect older Australians outside urban centres.
Both women called for a nationwide review of transport subsidies to ensure that regional residents are not financially disadvantaged when accessing essential healthcare services.
