Principles of the new aged care system

Recommendation 1 – A new act

1.1. The Aged Care Act 1997  (Cth) should be replaced with a new Act to come into force by no later than 1 July 2023.  The objects of the new Act should  be to: See comments on Recommendations 41 and 42 at rows 311‐315.

1.1. (a) provide a system of aged care based on a universal right to high quality, safe and timely support and care to: i. assist older people to live an active, self‐determined and meaningful life, and ii. ensure older people receive high quality care in a safe and caring environment for dignified living in old age

1.1. (b) protect and advance the rights of older people receiving aged care to be free from mistreatment and neglect, and harm from poor quality or  unsafe care, and to continue to enjoy rights of social participation accessible to members of society generally

1.1. (c) enable people entitled to aged care to exercise choice and control in the planning and delivery of their care

1.1. (d) ensure equity of access to aged care

1.1. (e) provide advocacy and complaint mechanisms for people receiving aged care

1.1. (f) provide for regular and independent review of the aged care system

1.1. (g) promote innovation in aged care based on research

1.1. (h) promote positive community attitudes to enhance social and economic participation by people receiving aged care.

1.2. The new Act should state that the above objects are to be achieved by establishing:

1.2. (a) the Australian Aged Care Commission

1.2. (b) the Australian Aged Care Pricing Authority

1.2. (c) the office of the Inspector‐General of Aged Care and by the other provisions of the Act.

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