In an open letter to the aged care workforce, new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, has highlighted the government’s commitment to working together with frontline aged care staff following the deferment of the start of the new Aged Care Act by four months from 1 July to 1 November.

Minister Rae said recent discussions with older people, their families, carers, aged care providers and workers revealed that the sector needed more time to understand and prepare for the introduction of the new Act, including new ways of working to ensure continued safe and quality care for elderly Australians.

“Whether you’re a personal care worker, a chef, nurse, lifestyle coordinator or working behind the scenes, you play a vital part in delivering the safe, high-quality, rights-based care older people deserve,” he states in the open letter.

“We want to make sure you are supported, feel valued and recognised for the important work you do in ensuring older people live their best lives.”

According to Minster Rae, the government will use the extra time to work with the workforce and employers to:

• Help you build capability and support you in understanding new requirements
• Prepare older people for the change so they know what they can expect from each of you
• Finalise systems and processes for governance and reporting
• Develop guidance and training modules for key changes

“The aged care workforce is at the frontline of aged care, and we share a common goal in getting these once-in-a-generation reforms right so we can deliver a high-quality, sustainable and world-class aged care system for all Australians,” Mr Rae said.

“I will work together with you, your employers and older people to get the new Act implementation right for all.”