The Minister for Ageing has acknowledged that there is a need for fundamental reform to the aged care system.

Speaking at the Aged Care Association Australia (ACAA) national congress in Melbourne, Justine Elliot said the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHC) had highlighted the need for change in aged care.

However Mrs Elliot said reform would not happen overnight.

“Our aim is to build a modern system that meets the needs of an ageing population,” she said.

“It seems straight forward but it’s not as easy as it seems. The challenge is in getting the details right.”

“There are some large issues to consider as we go about this major reform process.”

The government has been holding discussions with health professionals around the country about the proposed reforms and Mrs Elliot said there had been a lot of interest in aged care issues.

“I believe it was a great thing that the health and care needs of older Australians were raised at all of these consultations,” she said.

“We are taking the time to get the views of the frontline professionals,” she said.

The minister also used her address to officially announce the launch of a $2.6 million package to provide training to aged care workers in rural and remote areas.

The courses will focus on wound care, diabetes care, falls management and manual handling.

“Distance in rural and regional Australia can create challenges for staff and providers in accessing training courses,” she said.

“This training will support staff in smaller homes in rural areas attend training courses by paying for the course and the associated costs.”