Just because they didn’t agree on everything is no reason not to act!
Commissioners Tony Pagone QC and Lynelle Briggs AO (pictured) have agreed on a string of recommendations, but remained split on several major points including funding.
But they say the split is not a reason for the Government to do nothing.
“Our disagreement about the best way for improvement to be achieved is not a justification for doing nothing,” Commissioner Pagone wrote after the Commission handed down its findings.
The major contention between the Commissioners was on how to fund the industry going forward.
Both believe a tax levy should be introduced to fund aged care with Commissioner Briggs calling for a levy of around 1%, or $750 per taxpayer per year, while Commissioner Pagone believes it should be higher.
Other recommendations where the Commissioners were split included:
- Oversight of the sector
- Capital financing for residential care
- A new aged care financing system
- A new primary care model to improve access
Despite their differences in some areas, both Commissioners were eager to see the Federal Government act on their 148 recommendations to improve the aged care sector.
Some of the areas where the Commissioners agreed included:
- A new Aged Care Act
- A new Aged Care Program combining the CHSP, home care and residential care
- A single streamlined process to accessing aged care services
- A System Governor to oversee the system
- A transition to care at home
- Care that is based on need, not rationing
“The adoption of one model over the other will have consequences for many, but not all, of the recommendations we make,” Commissioner Pagone stated.
Both agreed on including care based on need and not rationing, as well as a minimum quality and safety standard for staff time in residential care.
So far, the Federal Government has pledged $452.2 million to the aged care sector as their initial response to the Commission’s recommendations.
The Grattan Institute, who specialise in developing high quality public policy, said the Government would need to contribute a further $7 billion a year would provide older Australians with the care and support they need.
The institute also supported the introduction of a new Aged Care Act.
Let’s hope the Government heeds their calls!
