PM makes ‘no apologies’ for ambitious target

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says he makes no apologies for being “ambitious” in aged care, despite facilities closing their doors as strict staffing requirements near.

From July 1, all aged care centres will be required to have a registered nurse on-site 24 hours a day.

Last week Brightwater, which operates across WA, announced it would close three of its Perth sites; while Wesley Mission will close three of its Sydney aged care homes.

The providers said that while they were committed to providing a high level of care to residents, there were significant financial and staffing restrictions and as such could not meet the government’s deadline.

Last week the Opposition accused the government of bringing in the requirements too soon before the workforce was ready.

Mr Albanese on Monday defended his government’s policy, saying that the “overwhelming majority” of residential facilities – or close to 90 per cent – would meet the 24/7 nursing requirements.

About five per cent of facilities have been granted exemptions for valid reasons, as Mr Albanese conceded workforce was a “real challenge” in the sector.

“And that’s why the government has committed to funding the 15 per cent increase in the award wage for workers,” he told ABC Radio.

“We understand the Royal Commission recommendations. We’re serious that we need to address these issues in aged care and putting nurses back into nursing homes is something that I’m proud of.

“The fact that 90 per cent have met the (staffing) requirements already shows that we make no apologies for being ambitious in this area.

“But we’re also being very practical about the way that these issues are dealt with.”

Aged care star rating 2023

The opposition’s spokeswoman for health and aged care, Anne Ruston on Friday said Labor’s policy had been rushed.

“Anthony Albanese promised to put the care back into aged care. Instead, he has broken his headline election promise to older Australians and aged care homes are now closing under his watch,” Senator Ruston said.

“Anthony Albanese must urgently step in and provide more support and more flexibility for aged care providers. The worst possible outcome is for older Australians to be kicked out of their homes because of government regulation.”

A 12-month exemption from the 24/7 nursing requirement has been made to residential aged care facilities in regional areas with less than 30 beds.

Not meeting the 24/7 requirement is not enough for a facility to be closed, and Aged Care Minister Anika Wells has indicated the government would work closely with facilities to meet the standards.