As the third largest Home Care Package provider in Australia, Silverchain welcomes the Federal Government’s decision to delay the implementation of the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program until 1 November 2025.
Silverchain Group Chief Executive Dale Fisher AM said reforms of this magnitude should not be rushed at the expense of those impacted.
“The most important element of these reforms is the impact on older Australians. The sector must have all the information before implementation in order to be able to reassure older people about these changes,” Ms Fisher said.
The decision to delay the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program allows more time for the Department of Health, Disability & Ageing and Services Australia to finalise the detail the sector is waiting on.
“Our focus has been on preparing our clients for these changes, but without the key subordinate legislation and grandfathering detail available, we cannot reassure them on how the change affects them,” Ms Fisher said.
“We strongly support these reforms, but this postponement was urgently needed to avoid chaos and confusion for older people, their carers and families, and the dedicated aged care workers who deliver high quality care.
“Common sense has prevailed. Silverchain has advocated for this, calling for practical and realistic timeframes to implement these reforms effectively.
“This is an incredibly ambitious program of reform, and courageous leadership is needed to deliver care differently. We welcome today’s announcement and thank the Government for listening to and engaging with the sector.”
