Minister announces two key appointments
Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the appointment of two chair positions, central to the implementation of the aged care reform package announced in April.
Above: Prof Peter Shergold
The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, has announced the appointments of two key chair positions, central to the implementation of the aged care reform package announced in April.
The announcements yesterday and today see two eminent Australian public servants appointed to key roles in steering the reform process. Professor Peter Shergold AC, has been appointed as chair of the new Aged Care Reform Implementation Council, while the Minister appointed Commissioner Anne Gooley as the Chair of the Aged Care Strategic Workforce Advisory Group, the body that will steer the development of an Aged Care Workforce Compact.
Dr Shergold’s appointment is the first for the implementation council that will aim to oversee the delivery of the government’s $3.7 billion aged care reform package, Living Longer. Living Better. The reforms will be delivered in stages with the council working closely with the sector to assist in managing transition.
Dr Shergold, Chancellor of the University of Western Sydney, said it is vital that the reform package is “implemented with vigour and evaluated with care”. “This is the most ambitious reform plan for aged care in a generation and clearly it will require good advice on implementation,” he said.
Minister Butler commented that Dr Shergold will bring to the role of council chair, a wealth of experience. “As a former Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet and a senior public servant for two decades, Peter Shergold has proven his capacity to drive reform of this scale,” Mr Butler said.
The council will report to Minister Butler twice a year and evaluate aged care reforms as they are implemented. All other council appointments will be announced later this month.
Above: Anne Gooley
The Aged Care Strategic Workforce Advisory Group met for the first time in Canberra yesterday. Its new chair – Fair Work Australia Commissioner, Ms Gooley- will lead the development of an Aged Care Workforce Compact in close consultation with the aged care sector and unions.
“One of the major constraints to growing the aged care system to meet the needs of older Australians is workforce shortages,” Mr Butler said.
“The Compact will help the aged care sector attract and retain staff through higher wages, improved career structures, and enhanced training and education opportunities.
Through its Living Longer. Living Better aged care reform package, the Australian Government will provide $1.2 billion over five years to tackle critical shortages in the aged care workforce.
The Compact will result in a tripartite commitment between government, unions and aged care providers to tackle the workforce problems confronting the sector. It will ensure a skilled workforce is attracted and retained to meet growing demand for more skilled staff in the sector
“Not only do we want to see improvements in aged care, but better jobs for workers in the sector,” Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten added.
Commisioner Gooley was appointed to Fair Work Australia effective from January 2010. Previously she was public interest litigation principal at Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
She has a teaching and research background and subsequently reached the level of Assistant Secretary, Victorian Branch of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance before joining Maurice Blackburn in 1998. .
“Commissioner Gooley has extensive experience in workplace relations and will work closely with all aged care stakeholders to develop the Compact,” Mr Shorten said.
