CHA urges swift implementation of Aged Care Taskforce recommendations
March 12, 2024
Peak bodies raise concerns about draft Aged Care Act
March 28, 2024
As we journey through Lent, towards Easter, it is as important time to reflect on the hope provided by faith. Every day, those within Catholic health encounter and care for people who are experiencing suffering. Global conflict and unrest has also resurfaced old wounds, which is an unsettling experience for staff and those we care for. As we grapple with these impacts, many of us remember that the resurrection of Jesus gives us hope for eternal life. Let’s apply this by embracing hope in these difficult times.
It’s an exciting time for our organisation with the appointment this month of three new Directors to the Board of Catholic Health Australia.
Francis Price (Southern Cross Care Queensland), Sylvia Falzon (Cabrini Health) and Patrick Brady (Mater Misericordiae Limited) will bring new insights into how we deliver on our ethics of care. We give our thanks to Brad Prentice (Southern Cross Care Western Australia) whose term has now concluded.
Aged care reforms have dominated the headlines in recent weeks after the federal government released the long-awaited recommendations of the Aged Care Taskforce, while the Fair Work Commission delivered pay rises of up to 28 per cent for “direct” aged care workers, while only granting three per cent for some administrative and related roles.
This is great news for the sector, but we acknowledge that more needs to be done to show that we value our “indirect”, or non-care, staff. CHA has called on the federal government to fully fund the pay rises and work with the sector on a speedy implementation.
On the hospital front, we have also been active in the news on our pre-budget submission on aged care and have been working with our members to highlight the financial plight of hospitals including their concerns over rising costs.
We are also planning the CHA National Conference which will have the theme this year of Rejoice, Reimagine! The conference will be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney from Monday 26 August – Wednesday 28 August 2024. Please make a diary note.
I look forward to continuing our important work together.
Jason Kara, CEO
Catholic Health Australia
