New poll shows gaps in reform readiness
A new poll by Mirus Australia shows the sector is divided in its reform readiness and unconvinced of the government and regulators’ ability to support providers through the transition.
Mirus Australia has warned that the aged care sector is facing key readiness challenges ahead of the new Aged Care Act, which comes into effect in under two weeks.
Findings from Mirus Australia’s latest poll show just three per cent of providers surveyed are feeling fully prepared and confident for the reforms.
The poll included 282 respondents from 230 organisations, and almost half – 44 per cent – said significant work is still required to be ready.
But another 48 per cent said they were well prepared with minor gaps, indicating the sector is divided in its level of readiness.
Just one per cent felt unprepared and highly concerned, while the remaining 4 per cent said they had limited preparation and were also highly concerned.
The sector was also split on what areas pose the most risk of having unintended consequences from the reform transition.
Governance and compliance were number one – as indicated by 28 per cent of respondents – but financial stability was close behind, with 24 per cent of respondents listing it as the area most at risk. Another 23 per cent pointed to workforce dissatisfaction and burnout.
Clinical care and consumer expectations were also flagged as areas of risk.
Regulatory compliance readiness was named as the single most challenging area to prepare for by 31 per cent of survey respondents, while a quarter listed operational implementation. Another 23 per cent named workforce readiness as the biggest challenge.
Mirus Australia chief executive officer Robert Covino said that while providers have been working hard to prepare, “it’s clear that many are still navigating complex changes with limited time and clarity,” and that the poll findings underline the importance of ongoing collaboration and practical support to ensure a smooth transition.
The poll also showed the sector is concerned about the level of support the government and regulators will be able to provide, with just five per cent indicating they believe they are strongly ready to support providers through the transition,
The majority – or 64 per cent – of respondents said they believe some support is in place but that it is “patchy or unclear” and a quarter said they feel support has been inadequate.
Most respondents believe that the new Act and strengthened standards will deliver some meaningful improvements for older Australians though, as indicated by 70 per cent of those surveyed. But that same group also believe that there will still be gaps.
Less than 20 per cent indicated the reforms would bring significant improvements and 10 per cent thought it unlikely much would change. Two per cent believe the risks will outweigh the benefits.
Mirus Australia data scientist Tyler Fisher said while the reforms bring opportunities to raise standards and embed better governance, they also introduce new operational realities that can’t be underestimated.
“Many organisations are balancing regulatory readiness with financial and workforce pressures and that’s where data, clear planning, and sector-wide learning will be critical in the months ahead,” he said.
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