Code of Conduct: banning orders
A new Code of Conduct for Aged Care began on 1 December 2022.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is responsible for managing compliance with the Code. They have a range of actions and tools to deal with suspected breaches of the Code.
In the most serious cases, the Commission can ban a current or former worker or governing person from being able to provide aged care services.
To date, the Commission has issued 53 individual banning orders.
We encourage all aged care providers to screen potential employees (including volunteers) by checking the Aged Care Register of banning orders.
Learn more about banning orders, and the consequences for breaking a banning order, in the Commission’s Regulatory Bulletin.
Shape the future of aged care for First Nations people
Applications are now open for the interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner. The role will provide a strong, authentic voice to the Australian Government and will:
- consult with older First Nations people, their families, carers and communities
- engage with sector-wide reforms to help remove barriers and improve aged care services for First Nations peoples
- advise Government on the design and functions of a permanent Commissioner role in the aged care system.
Find out more about the role on the APS Jobs website, applications close 6 September 2023.
Please note this position is only open to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.
Rural and remote providers: management training
We are offering specific management training for aged care managers in rural and remote areas. This free training is available for all eligible rural and remote aged care managers, including coordinators and any relief staff.
The training will increase the skills, knowledge and capability of aged care managers working in rural and remote locations. The program includes:
- a webinar covering foundational topics
- five days of face-to-face training (travel and accommodation costs will be covered by the program)
- eight weeks of mentoring in the workplace.
More information
- To find out about eligibility and how to apply email SDAP@health.gov.au.
- Read about the Remote and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Service Development Assistance Panel (SDAP) on our website.
Free translation service for aged care providers
Do you have older people in your care who are not able, or prefer not to communicate in written English?
We have established a free translation service for aged care providers to share written information with older people and their families from:
- culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- First Nations elders
- Deaf, blind, deafblind and those who are hard of hearing.
This translating service helps providers to support older people to make informed decisions about their care.
Visit the webpage diversityagedcare.health.gov.au to request a free translation of your information. You can also call 1800 271 034 for more information or to request a translation.
2023 COVID-19: Aged Care Support Program grant
The 2023 COVID-19 Aged Care Support Program Grant is open. We encourage eligible providers to submit their applications as soon as practical.
The grant supports providers transition to managing costs of COVID-19 outbreaks as part of business-as-usual arrangements.
Eligible residential and home care service providers can apply to be reimbursed for eligible costs incurred due to COVID-19 outbreaks (or COVID-19 impacted home care recipients) between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023.
Register to access and read the Grant Opportunity Guidelines to understand the process and expectations of the grant.
Grant information, including specific eligibility requirements, is available on GrantConnect (GO6223).
COVID-19: Aged Care Worker Leave Payment grant
The Aged Care Worker COVID-19 Leave Payment Grant Opportunity is open to support aged care workers who were unable to work due to COVID-19:
- between 1 April 2023 and 31 December 2023, and
- where they have insufficient access to sick leave payments.
We encourage eligible providers to submit their application for sick leave payments made to directly employed:
- permanent, or
- casual aged care workers.
Grant applications close on Friday 16 February 2024
Australian Government-funded residential and home care providers can apply for reimbursement of up to $750 per week per employee for payments made to eligible workers.
Register to access and read the Grant Opportunity Guidelines to understand the process and expectations of the grant.
Grant information, including specific eligibility requirements, is available on GrantConnect (GO6255).
Financial Report on the Australian Aged Care Sector 2021–22
The Financial Report on the Australian Aged Care Sector 2021–22 is now available.
The report uses information collected from providers through the Aged Care Financial Report including on care minutes.
The objective of the report is to increase transparency in the aged care sector, and help older Australians, their families and carers make informed decisions about their care.
Aged care service providers can also use the report to compare their own financial performance with sector-level results.
For more information visit the Aged care research and reporting webpage.
Consultation: pricing framework for residential aged care services closing soon
Have you submitted your feedback on the Pricing Framework for Australian Residential Aged Care Services?
This consultation is an opportunity for you to have your say on the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority’s (IHACPA) consultation paper on the pricing framework for 2024-25. This will inform the IHACPA’s annual pricing advice to government for residential aged care and residential respite services.
Whether you are someone who uses aged care services, or you support a person in aged care, an aged care employee or are an aged care service provider – we want to hear from you.
The consultation period closes 5pm AEST Wednesday 23 August 2023.
To make a submission, go to open consultations on the IHACPA website.
Commission webinar: informed decision making for board members and leaders
The Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program is delivering a webinar on informed decision making for board members and leaders.
When: Wednesday 16 August at 12pm – 1pm (AEST).
Register for the webinar - Note, this link will take you to register for the program first.
We will be discussing challenging issues including:
- the quality and timeliness of data collection and analysis
- the need for robust clinical governance and understanding of clinical issues
- high staff turnover
- a complex regulatory environment.
This webinar will give you practical strategies to help make informed decisions.
Enrol in the Governing for Reform in Aged Care Program to explore other learning activities.