The Inspector-General of Aged Care, Natalie Siegel-Brown, handed down her report to the Federal Government last week. The Inspector General said inter alia “On the current trajectory, I am concerned we do not have some of the fundamental mechanisms in place and I fear that some 'unintended consequences' may arise from implementation (of Labor’s reforms) that could undermine the Royal Commission’s vision”. The Aged Care Quality and Safety Royal Commission Report was dated March 2021 and the new Federal Aged Care Act will start in November 2025. In her interview on ABC radio, the Inspector General said, “As a community we need kindness, compassion and connection. We must keep older folk visible and connected in community. The Government’s collective reforms have not had the impact we expected and hoped for.” In this context my comment is that volunteer organisations in our region – their influence, reach and understanding - are vital for our collective identity and well-being. The opportunities for maintaining independence, shared quality of life and safety plus “adequate conversation” must be respected. Recent information sessions held in our region have been valuable as we are some of the six million plus in this older demographic. We still have our hands on the wheel and are “feeling good” as the government’s new Support at Home programme has been accelerated. There is still work to do on the home front, Berridale’s Snowy River Hostel comes to mind. Things change, but we need to build anew. Elizabeth Laught Cooma
