MAJOR changes are underway for Australia’s leadership on ageing and aged care following the Federal Election.
Following Labor’s election victory, Mark Butler is now Minister for Health and Ageing, with newcomer Sam Rae appointed Aged Care and Seniors Minister.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s ministerial reshuffle has seen the creation of a Cabinet-level Ageing portfolio, and the appointment of a new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors.
Existing Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler’s role has been adjusted and expanded. He is now Minister for Health and Ageing, Disability, and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Replacing “Aged Care” with “Ageing” is a subtle, but important difference.
National Seniors Australia (NSA) has long called for a Minister for Older Australians and welcomes the recognition of Ageing as a Cabinet-level portfolio and the addition of responsibility for seniors to the Aged Care ministry.
“NSA is pleased to see ‘ageing’ recognised in Cabinet through the change in Minister Butler’s title to encompass Health and Ageing,” NSA Chief Executive Officer Chris Grice said.
“This change signifies that government understands the importance and needs of an ageing population.”
“There are many issues facing Australians as they age. Many experience ageism, barriers to mature age employment, elder abuse, poverty, and homelessness which require government support and intervention.”
In a statement issued after the ministry announcements, Mr Butler said, “Our task is crystal clear: to strengthen Medicare, protect the PBS, deliver generational reform to aged care, and secure the future of the NDIS.”
NSA believes a key focus for Mr Butler should be a full review of the private health insurance system to reduce health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs. And improve the interface between hospitals and aged care to reduce ramping and access to care.
New Aged Care and Seniors Minister, Sam Rae, 38, is a former partner at consultancy firm PwC and Member for the seat of Hawke in Victoria. He has replaced Anika Wells, who is now Minister for Communications and Sport.
Mr Rae is regarded as “up-and-coming star” of the party’s right faction. However, he will serve in the outer ministry, not in Cabinet.
Mr Rae will have a big job managing the introduction of the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program on July 1.
Author: Dr Brendon Radford, Director of Policy and Research, National Seniors Australia. Source: National Seniors Association
