Media release – Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia and Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN), 24 August 2023
Hobart residents urged to have their say on new Aged Care Act
Hobart consultations being held Monday 28 August
All Hobart residents – particularly older people – are being asked to share their knowledge, insights and perspectives on our aged care system as part of a consultation process looking at strengthening and improving the laws governing aged care.
A consultation will be held in Hobart on Monday 28 August, 9am – 4pm at the Rydges Hobart – Edwardian Room | 393 Argyle St, North Hobart TAS 7000
Click here to register or for more information or go to https://opan.org.au/cota-opan-
If you need assistance registering you can call 1800 001 321 between 8am and 8pm Mon – Fri or 10am – 4pm Saturdays.
The consultations follow the release of the Australian Government’s Consultation Paper on the new Aged Care Act – a key recommendation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – as well as the release of principles guiding aged care funding.
Peak aged care advocacy bodies, Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia and Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) will lead a series of forums across the country over the coming weeks, seeking input into the consultation process from those who matter most – those with lived experience.
Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia Chief Executive Officer, Patricia Sparrow:
“We want to hear what the residents of Hobart and the surrounding areas really think about our aged care system and what can and should be done to make sure it’s delivery the quality service we all deserve.
“Whether you’ve got direct experience yourself, have a family member in care, or simply want to have your say in the future of our aged care system, we want to hear from you.
“The Hobart consultation is one of a number of consultations being held across the country. We want to make sure as many people as possible – including those from regional areas – get the opportunity to have their say on this important issue. We’ll then take the information we get from locals and feed it directly into government.
“We want to speak to older people, their families, carers and any other interested people to ensure that the voices and experiences of those who matter most are heard loud and clear.
“We need to improve our aged care systems for everyone and to do that we need to make sure the voices of those at the centre of the issue are heard. That’s why these consultations are so important. We hope a lot of Hobart residents are able to attend.”
OPAN Chief Executive Officer, Craig Gear OAM:
“We can’t improve older people’s experience without an Aged Care Act that respects, protects and enforces their rights.
“The current version, which is more than 25 years old, is focused on the operation and funding of aged care services. It is largely divorced from the human experience of older people.”
“If we are serious about a rights-based Act that puts older people, and the services they need, front and centre, then it stands to reason that older people must also be front and centre of the discussion.
“Australia is at an aged care crossroads. The actions we take over the next 12 months will be crucial.
“Since older people are the experts in their aged care, we need their input on this major piece of reform to ensure we get it right.”
COTA and OPAN are committed to ensuring a diverse range of voices are heard during the consultation process. Everyone, particularly older people with experience of aged care, are encouraged to take part in the consultations being run by COTA and OPAN. To find out more and to get involved go to https://opan.org.au/cota-
