Nursing homes will be required to have a registered nurse onsite 24/7, and make sure residents receive a minimum amount of care each day, after landmark legislation to reform the aged care sector passed the Senate on 27 October.
The Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Implementing Care Reform) Bill 2022 will now go on to become law, delivering on the Government’s commitment to have 24/7 access to a registered nurse in residential aged care services. As well as Registered Nurses 24/7, the bill also legislates for mandated minimum care staffing minutes and transparency and accountability on public funding.
After years of campaigning for this reform, the ANMF thanks and congratulates Aged Care Minister Anika Wells, Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler and the Albanese Government for making RN 24/7 law in every Australian nursing home. The first step to ensuring quality care for older Australians.
The Federal Government has also committed to funding the wage increase handed down by the Fair Work Commission in the Aged Care Work Value case. Increasing wages, guaranteed nursing care, and RN 24/7 will encourage nurses and carers to come and work in aged care.
Change in Aged Care
What the Albanese Labor Government has committed to change in Aged Care
Aged care reform is a priority for the Albanese Labor Government with commitments to change to improve the working conditions and pay of aged care nurses and ensure older Australians receive the care and respect they deserve.
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