A matter of care – message from the Chair

Today the taskforce presented A Matter of Care – Australia’s aged care workforce strategy to the Minister for Aged Care, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP.

The strategy is the culmination of nine months' work, drawing on extensive consultations with providers, consumers and the workforce, as well as research commissioned from subject matter experts in areas such as workforce organisation, future industry trends and recruitment and retention.

The result is a robust, comprehensive and pragmatic strategy that has the potential to transform aged care services in Australia. The strategy is executable in the next 1-3 years and sets the industry up for the next seven.

Some key actions detailed in the strategy are already underway. Improved education and training will be the focus of a new Industry Reference Committee dedicated to aged services. Industry peak bodies have committed to the process of establishing a voluntary code of practice, and providers in remote Australia are set to have a stronger voice through a new Remote Accord.

Creating real, sustained change however requires a collaborative effort by industry, government and the community. We need a cultural change in the way we view aged care, leading to a greater understanding of why aged care is important to all people and the nation. 

There are, however, changes that are wholly in the grasp of industry to make immediately. Better workforce planning, holistic individual care plans that look at the entire needs of the consumer, and improved strategies to attract and retain high quality staff are just some of the practices that can have a profound impact on the quality of care.

My message to industry is to act now. Put in place workforce strategies that will deliver real improvements to the quality of care –  and unite to create an industry that all Australians are proud of. 

Finally, I truly thank everyone who contributed to the workforce strategy - the individuals who attended workshops, technical experts, peak bodies and workforce representatives. I would also like to thank my fellow taskforce members for their support and Minister Wyatt for funding and initiating the strategy. 

The result is a workforce strategy that sets the industry up for success and defines the care we all want - for ourselves and our family members. How we care says who we are.

Prof John Pollaers OAM
Chair, Aged Care Workforce Strategy Taskforce