More money for more of the same is a recipe for failure.

By Emeritus Professor Julie Byles

In this response, I make my comments from the perspective of a gerontologist researching ageing and aged care use. I am also commenting from my role as Independent Evaluator for the Queensland Home Care Workforce Support Program, which has provided specific insights into the experiences of home care workers and their employers. I also comment as the enduring guardian of two parents who have required aged care in its various forms.

I agree with underlying view of the Taskforce that:

“A new approach to funding arrangements is critical to support an aged care system.”

More money is undoubtedly required to enable better quality aged care. The extent to which this can, or should, come from a broad base of taxpayers, or from consumers who can afford to pay, is a matter for public debate. This report is, of course, meant to inform such debate. At the outset, however, it must be clear what the money is required for, what the true costs of care are, and where the improvements are required. Such has been the subject of multiple enquiries, and the object of a raft of reforms. It is not yet clear that government nor industry has grasped what improvements are needed in aged care to deliver on the public need.

Click here to read the full response.