Aged Care: What the major parties are promising

Aged care was one of the top policy areas nominated by Women’s Agenda readers when polled in April 2022.

Aged care has risen to the fore as a national issue since a Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was undertaken in 2018, with a final report tabled in parliament in March 2021. There were 148 recommendations made, with the report calling for a new system based on a rights-based Act, a funding model based on need, and better regulation and transparency.

The aged care sector faced a crisis during the pandemic, with many aged care homes overwhelmed by workloads and understaffing. Many aged care residents spent long periods isolated in their rooms. As of May 2022, there have been 2,270 deaths recorded in aged care homes due to COVID-19. 

Aged care workers and unions are calling for a wage increase for workers, as the sector continues to face significant staff shortages. The Health Services Union is seeking a 25 per cent wage increase in a Fair Work Commission case.

WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR: Our 2022 election policy pages are live, and updated as we learn more from each of the major parties.

THE COALITION

•  In response to the recommendations of the royal commission, the Coalition announced nearly $18 billion in funding over five years
• 40,000 new home care packages
• 8,400 more respite services
• Average care minutes increased to 200 minutes per day for aged care residents
• Has committed to honoring a Fair Work Commission decision on aged care workers’ wages 
• 1,500 more Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission site audits
• Expanded Serious Incident Response Scheme (SIRS)
• Retention bonuses for nurses.
• 33,000 new training places for personal carers

LABOR

•  $2.5 billion funding over four years with a five point plan to improve the aged care system
• Mandate that every resident in aged care receives at least 215 minutes of care per day in line with royal commission recommendation
• Ensuring a registered nurse is on site 24/7 at every aged care home, designed to prevent unnecessary trips to hospital
• Support and fund the outcome of the aged care worker wages case before the Fair Work Commission 
• Implement mandatory nutrition standards in aged care facilities to improve food standards 
• Ensure more transparency around how aged care providers are spending money, and give the Aged Care Commissioner new powers 

THE GREENS

• Provide $6 billion per year to, increase hours of care to 4 hours 18 minutes per resident per day, introduce staff to resident ratios, increase wages for aged care workers by 25% and improve conditions and training
• Phase out for-profit providers. 
• Human rights based approach to aged care and physical and chemical restraints 
• $260 million to improve home care package waiting list times

Who are the women running for election in 2022? Check out Women Elect, our page tracking female candidates.