A new Aged Care Act will be delayed as the federal government takes more time to listen to feedback about it in draft form.
The new Act, which would replace three others, aims to improve how older people in their own homes, community settings, and aged care homes, get their services.
It follows from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which found the current act and its related laws dating back to 1997 are "no longer fit for purpose" and are centred around providers and their funding.
"The new rights-based Act will put older people who need aged care at the centre of the system," a government website says.
Plans were in place for the Act to take effect by July 1, 2024, but the government has since stated it is taking more time to consider the feedback it received on the draft bill before proceeding further.
The new Act will outline the rights of older people considering and already using aged care services, help ensure the right services are given, and make providers more accountable.
Penalties for poor care will be increased and whistleblowers will get more protection.
It also complements other legislation, which includes stronger controls over restrictive practices including physical and chemical, more intense scrutiny of how residential accommodation deposits and bonds are used, and an enforceable Code of Conduct for Aged Care.
What are people saying about it?
The Aged & Community Care Providers Association wants at least a 6-12 months transition from when all materials are available for laws to take effect, to give providers a chance to manage the changes and speak with their clients.
The Retirement Living Council executive director Daniel Gannon said the delay was the "best news we've on this front for months", citing the consultation was hard from the outset and sections of the legislation are yet to be drafted.
Dementia Australia chief executive officer Maree McCabe AM was concerned about the delay.
"People impacted by dementia deserve to feel confident that the new Act will empower them and improve their experience of care and services."
More information can be found at health.gov.au and search for "About the new Aged Care Act".
