OTA Welcomes New Aged Care Bill to Parliament

Published: 13 September 2024

OTA welcomes the introduction of the new Aged Care Bill to Parliament on Thursday 12 September. This enables much needed reform to be put in place and better outcomes for older Australians requiring aged care services. We welcome the human rights focus of the new Act, and the improvements to quality and standards of care that will be made possible. The new Act is expected to commence from 1 July 2025. 

We particularly welcome confirmation that the Government will pay 100 per cent of clinical care costs, including occupational therapy services in residential care and Support at Home. 

We welcome the package of reforms for Support at Home which will include: 

• Support for home modifications, with up to $15,000 available for this purpose 

• Dedicated funding for the prescription of aids and equipment

• Expanded access to restorative support after an illness or injury, through a 12 week program that works with a team of allied health and other professionals. 

In addition to introducing the Aged Care Bill 2024 to Parliament, the Government:

• released its response to the Aged Care Taskforce with commitment of $5.6 billion investment and reform  

• announced details of the Support at Home program. 

OTA has made numerous submissions related to the new Aged Care Act and its regulation and we will continue to work with the Government and other stakeholders to ensure that older people receive the OT services that address their needs and enable them to live as independently as possible. 

The introduction of the New Aged Care Bill came after agreement was reached with the Coalition to support the Bill and the funding arrangements enable aged care system to be sustainable and meet people’s needs into the future. 

The Bill has been referred to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry and report. Senators will consider the Bill in more detail, potentially hold public hearings and make recommendations. During this time, the Department of Health and Aged Care will invite feedback on some of the rules that will sit under the new law.   

OTA will continue to keep members updated.