Aged care news highlights from the week ending 16 June 2023, aggregated by CompliSpace.

The information in the Weekly Wrap is aggregated from other news sources to provide you with news that is relevant to the aged care sector across Australia and worldwide. Each paragraph is a summary of the subject matter covered in the particular news article. The information does not necessarily reflect the views of CompliSpace.

COVID-19 News 

No significant developments this week.

Other News

Updated: Direct care workers to receive increase in minimum wage on top of 15 per cent pay rise

According to Inside Ageing, the Fair Work Commission has announced a 5.75% increase to all minimum award wages effective July 1, 2023. This means minimum wages for employees affected by the 15% aged care sector decision will also increase. Direct care and some senior food services employees in the aged care sector will receive a 15% wage increase from 30 June 2023. This increase applies to eligible employees covered by the:

• Aged Care Award
• Social, Community, Home Care and Disability Services Industry (SCHADS) Award
• Nurses Award.

Minister Wells outlines the future of reform

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, Anika Wells, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport, spoke at the National Press Club on Wednesday 7 June to outline what’s been done to address the Royal Commission recommendations so far and provided a roadmap for the future of reform. Read or watch Minister Wells’ address.

Aged Care Reform Roadmap has been released

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Australian Government has released the Aged Care Reform Roadmap to provide an indicative timeline for key aged care reform elements. Dates are subject to change and will be reviewed and updated regularly. The roadmap includes major reform elements, sector consultation activities, events and links to more information. Please visit the Aged Care Engagement Hub to take part in consultations, join our webinars and stay informed about progress of the reforms.

Government Provider Management System: New reporting apps coming soon

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the new Government Provider Management System (GPMS) portal makes it easier for providers to access and report information. Most residential aged care providers are already using GPMS to access Star Ratings previews, and new applications will soon be released to enable Quality Indicators, Provider Operations and 24/7 registered nursing reporting. If you’re a residential aged care provider and haven’t logged on yet, please follow these steps:

• log on to GPMS
• assign roles for ‘Organisation Administrators’
• check your organisation and contact details are up to date in GPMS.

Home Care providers will also gain access to GPMS in July 2023. To prepare, please make sure your details are up to date in both the My Aged Care Service and Support Portal and GPMS. Information about GPMS is available on our Government Provider Management System webpage. If you need assistance, please contact the My Aged Care Service Provider and Assessor Helpline on 1800 836 799 (8am‑8pm Monday‑Friday and 10am‑2pm Saturday, across Australia).

Reminder: Consultation on the new model for regulating aged care closing soon

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, we are consulting on the new regulatory model for aged care and encourage you to have your say on the changes we‘re proposing to improve the way aged care is delivered. Consultation closes at 5pm, Friday 23 June. Visit the Aged Care Engagement Hub Regulatory Model. Please email enquiries to AgedCareRegModel@Health.gov.au

Quarterly Financial Snapshot of the aged care sector: Q2, 2022-23

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the department has published the second Quarterly Financial Snapshot (QFS) of the aged care sector, capturing the October to December 2022 quarter. Download a copy of the report from the department’s website.

Decommissioning of the My Aged Care fax number

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, a reminder that the department will be decommissioning the My Aged Care fax number (1800 728 174) on Monday 31 July 2023.

Release of the Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, Australia’s first Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan has been released. It offers a clear vision on how to better use nurse practitioners to meet the needs of a growing and ageing population. Learn more about the Nurse Practitioner Workforce Plan on the department’s website.

Sharp rise in elder abuse

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, new data shows a 38 per cent increase in reports of elder abuse in New South Wales during 2020-2022. Almost 8,500 older people were abused during that period, according to a report from the NSW Ageing and Disability Commission. Released to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June, the statistics make for alarming reading.

Reducing the risk of sexual assault in aged care

According to Australian Ageing Agenda, an online education course aimed at preventing sexual assault in residential aged care launches Thursday – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Home Care News

CHSP providers: 2024-25 extension and recovering unspent grant funding

According to the Department of Health and Aged Care, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) has been extended until 30 June 2025. CHSP providers are currently receiving their 2023-24 contracts. Once this has been finalised, the department will commence the 2024-25 extension. In July 2023, the department will initiate the recovery of 2021-22 CHSP unspent funds not captured in any contract write-down processes and notify impacted providers. CHSP providers will not be able to carry over unspent 2022-23 funding into 2023-24, except for any ad hoc new funding approved in 2022-23. If you have a question about unspent funds, please contact your Funding Arrangement Manager.

Legislation

No significant developments this week.