The Federal Government has come good on its promise to give a voice to older Australians, with the establishment of the Council of Elders, which will consult and advise the Government on aged care reform.
Federal Health and Aged Care Minister Greg Hunt announced nominations to join the Council – which is a key part of the response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – last week.
“The Council of Elders will have about 10 members appointed from nominations right across Australia, including rural, regional and remote areas,” said Mr Hunt in a statement.
“The Council of Elders will be consumer focused. Its members will be independent of government and must not be affiliated with aged care services providers.”
In addition to public nominations, interest had also been sought from peak bodies and community organisations representing older Australians.
The Council of Elders will consult with older Australians from across the country on aged care and related issues and report back to the Minister for Health and Aged Care and the Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services, as well as advising the National Aged Care Advisory Council and the Department of Health.
The move to involve older Australians in the Government’s reforms is a welcome one.
After all, people who have received aged care services and have knowledge and experience of the sector are best placed to advise on what is working – and what is not.
If you or someone you know would like to nominate for the Council, you can find more information here. But get in quick – nominations will close on 15 October, with the membership of the Council of Elders to be announced later this year.
