Acknowledging the complex and persistent challenges broadly impacting the aged care sector as well as the need to support providers to prepare for the new Commonwealth Care at Home reforms, the Victorian Healthcare Association convened a two-part member forum focusing on aged care reform and delivery on 23 November 2023. We are pleased to provide a summary of the forum.
During the first session, VHA CEO, Leigh Clarke, shared updates from the recent National Aged Care Alliance (NACA) meeting including the latest communique. Leigh reminded members of the Aged Care Taskforce established by the Minister for Aged Care, which builds on the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommendations. She encouraged providers to explore the Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement as one avenue for addressing workforce challenges. Leigh also informed members of the national nursing workforce strategy currently being developed by the department. She also talked about the contribution HumanAbility intends to make within the sector.
Lauren Heller, Manager Strategy & Reform within the Workforce Strategy and Wellbeing Branch at the Victorian Department of Health provided an update on the workforce strategy, which aims to provide a strategic direction for the Victorian health workforce, including key considerations for the aged care sector needs. The VHA has been actively involved in regional and national workshops that aim to shape the strategic direction of HumanAbility, to ensure that the priorities of the sector are considered.
The new VHA General Manager Policy and Advocacy, Dr Belinda Bravo, informed members that the VHA policy and advocacy team is working to articulate a policy mandate that is representative of members, including a focus on engaging with members to gather and update evidence, as well as working with other networks to increase impact. The team will raise emerging issues within the sector in the upcoming 2024-25 budget submission and advocate for them directly with government decision makers.
During the second session, Nick Morgan, Assistant Secretary Support at Home Reform Branch at the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, gave an update on the single assessment system. If you have any questions about single assessments, send them to: singleagedcareassessmentsysytem.rft@health.gov.au. Nick also informed members that the department is keen to offer ongoing support to providers, as such, providers were invited to register and attend the public webinar organised by the department, during which more updates will be shared.
Finally, VHA Senior Project Officer Georgia Howie provided an update on the progress of the Aged Care, Care at Home project and next steps, including other upcoming forums to keep providers informed of emerging updates. She also talked about how the project aligns with the other aged care work the VHA is implementing.