Aged care reforms

The final Report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was delivered in March 2021, titled Care, Dignity and Respect. It made 148 recommendations to reform the aged care system, calling for significant changes in funding, governance, and care delivery​.

• Key Findings: chronic underfunding (workforce shortages, lack of transparency, and inadequate quality assurance mechanisms), elder abuse (physical, emotional and financial), inadequate standards (poor food quality, inadequate clinical care, and insufficient support for dementia patients and those with diverse needs).
• ​ Recommendations New Aged Care Act to replace the 1997 Act, increased funding for aged care services to meet growing demands, workforce reform (higher wages, mandatory training, and stronger regulations for staff), stronger oversight with the establishment of an independent body to oversee quality and safety, and a person-centred care with greater focus on individual needs, especially for those living with dementia.

The taskforce was created to address issues identified in the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Aged Care Taskforce was formed to:

• Develop funding strategies to support reforms recommended by the Royal Commission.
• Create a fair and equitable aged care system for all Australians, ensuring that funding aligns with the level and type of care required.
• Build on existing initiatives, including reforms in governance, transparency, and care standards​