During the initial gathering of the aged care taskforce last week, one of the subjects deliberated upon was the importance of addressing the long-term financing of the aged care sector.
During the virtual meeting held on June 16th, the taskforce members also addressed the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach to their responsibilities. The following items were included on their agenda:
- Identifying demographic, income, and wealth trends and evaluating short- and long-term viability concerns for providers.
- Examining strategies to develop a more fair, sustainable, and viable aged care sector, including exploring the underutilized financial products currently available.
- Exploring practical measures necessary to establish and integrate a system that offers greater clarity and transparency regarding the financial contributions of taxpayers and consumers.
- Enhancing accessibility and navigation for individuals seeking to access the aged care system.
As stated in a memo released by the Department of Health and Aged Care, the taskforce will employ a “data-led approach” in their discussions and actively engage with the community and experts in the aged care field throughout the entire process.
As revealed during Ms Wells’ National Press Club address on 7 June, the aged care taskforce membership includes:
- Mike Baird
- Professor Tom Calma
- Grant Corderoy
- Rosemary Huxtable
- Professor John McCallum
- Mary Patetsos
- Nigel Ray
- Patricia Sparrow
- Tom Symondson
- Margaret Walsh
- John Watkins
- Janine Walker
- Thomas Walker.
The time-limited taskforce will meet monthly until October when the interim report will be handed down before the final report is delivered to government in December.
During her press club address, Ms Wells said, as taskforce chair, she would welcome all proposals. “I’m bringing as the chair an open mind to the deliberations of the taskforce,” she said. “I think we should keep as many options open and the taskforce should work through them.”