The Coalition says it will improve the relationship between the government and the aged care sector if it wins the federal election later this month.

The opposition plans to establish a four-year agreement with the industry’s peak bodies to set a framework for future aged care policy.

A major aim of the proposed agreement is to simplify aged care operations by cutting down red tape, streamlining community care and working with the states to introduce more flexible planning arrangements.

The Coalition would also set up a steering committee consisting of industry experts, government representatives and “other stakeholders” to help implement the agreement.

Shadow ageing minister, Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells said she hoped the agreement would allow the government to work more closely with the industry.

“One of the biggest problems for this industry is the lack of certainty and engagement,” she said.

“We want to work with the sector and enter into an agreement with it, similar to the pharmacy agreements.

“We have to work together. We cannot have major reform unless the government works with the sector. The government cannot dictate to the aged care sector – that is what this government has been doing and it hasn’t worked.”

The opposition has promised to begin indexing the Conditional Adjustment Payment (CAP) this year, pending the recommendations of the Productivity Commission’s aged care review.

The Campaign for Care of Older Australians welcomed the CAP announcement, saying it was a crucial short term measure.

“Aged care providers have urged the restoration of this subsidy and its extension to community care – following its removal by the government – to ensure that quality services can be maintained,” the coalition of peak bodies and services providers said in a statement.

“The current subsidy scheme does not come close to matching the rising costs of providing care and services.”

The opposition will not bring any new money to the sector but it has pledged to scrap a number of Labor initiatives including the transition care program, the zero real interest loans and the payments for supporting long stay older patients in hospitals.

Instead, the Coalition would introduce an incentive payment scheme to convert 3,000 unused bed licences into operational places along with a three-week convalescent care progr...
Next Page