16 January 2025
The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) congratulates Anika Wells MP, Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport, on her promotion to Cabinet.
“Minister Wells has set the agenda for aged care reform since she introduced the first crucial pieces of legislation to address outstanding recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission to Parliament two-and-a-half years ago,” OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM said.
“Since then, Minister Wells has overseen a number of key reforms, such as 24/7 nursing and wage increases for aged care staff.
“I personally would like to thank Minister Wells for her steady stewardship of the new rights-based Aged Care Act through the parliamentary process. The passage of the Bill in November was an historic day for aged care reform.
“Minister Wells’ promotion not only acknowledges her significant achievements in a short space of time, it also gives aged care a designated seat at the table.
“OPAN looks forward to working with Minister Wells in implementing the new Aged Care Act and addressing some of the remaining issues older people have raised in relation to this ground-breaking piece of legislation.”
Mr Gear also congratulated Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth for acquiring the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
“I’d also like to commend Minister Rishworth for taking on the NDIS portfolio. We acknowledge that some older people live with a disability, which means our advocacy work often intersects with this important portfolio,” Mr Gear said.
“The NDIS is a challenging but incredibly important portfolio and we look forward to working with the Minister on the matters which relate to aged care.”
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For information or support regarding aged care, please call the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600 or visit opan.org.au