SENATOR MARIELLE SMITH
Senator for South Australia
MEDIA RELEASE
13th October 2024
PUBLIC HEARINGS CONTINUE ON THE NEW AGED CARE BILL
The Albanese Government is delivering on its promise to lift the standard of aged care in Australia.
The Aged Care Bill 2024 was introduced to Parliament on 12 September 2024. The Bill was referred to the Senate’s Community Affairs Committee and a report will be delivered by 31 October. South Australian Senator, Marielle Smith, is the Chair of the committee.
This is the most significant aged care reform in 30 years.
The Bill aims to change how aged care providers deliver services to older people in their homes, community settings and residential care homes. It also aims to introduce laws to make sure aged care is safe, and people are treated with respect.
Inclusive in the aged care reform is the Support at Home initiative which will help more than 1.4 million people stay in their homes. Support at Home participants will have faster access to assistive technology, like walkers and wheelchairs. Support for home modifications will make their homes safer and provide the care they need.
The Senate Community Affairs Committee has convened Public Hearings between 3 and 24 October. These hearings will be across the country, including Port Lincoln on Monday 14th October at the Port Lincoln Hotel. The hearings are open to the public.
Members of the community were invited to make a written submission. The Committee sought these submissions by 30 September, however any late submissions are accepted.
The hearings can be livestreamed on YouTube @AUSParliamentLive
Quotes attributable to Senator Marielle Smith:
“These once-in-a-generation reforms are designed to make our aged care system stronger.”
“I am looking forward to hearing directly from people with lived experience in aged care, providers and advocacy groups in Port Lincoln and from across regional South Australia about their views on these reforms.”
“The evidence we hear will contribute to our report to the Senate. This is an important part of the parliamentary process.’
More information about the Aged Care Hearings can be found at: Public Hearings – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au)
ENDS
