Federal election 2022

Count down to the election – aged care matters!

Aged care has emerged as a key issue for this election with voters.

However, many of the policies publicly discussed by candidates do not specifically address allied health and the critical issues with regards to these services in the aged care sector. That is why Speech Pathology Australia is calling for change this election, and contacted parties and independents across the political spectrum, asking for them to commit to several key election asks to improve the lives of people in residential aged care, particularly for those with communication and swallowing difficulties.

Whilst not every candidate and party responded directly to the specific election asks, Speech Pathology Australia has collated the responses and the key points from public written policy commitments to services in residential aged care.

The scorecard below reflects where the major parties stand on these important issues.

It should be noted that whilst the candidates and parties may not have always made a specific commitment, several responded asking to meet following the election. Speech Pathology Australia will strongly pursue these opportunities to gain the commitment of elected officials to our key asks around aged care and the need for speech pathology services.

Members can read further detail regarding the policies of the major parties, as well as the position of several independents below.

Liberal / National Party coalition

One Liberal party member in Far North Queensland signed the Speech Pathology Australia pledge.

Official Liberal Party policy platform regarding residential aged care:

• Implement an increase 215 minutes of nursing and personal care for every resident (to be rolled out gradually by 2024. 2023 Budget already costed for 200 minutes).
• Implement 24/7 nurses (to be rolled out gradually by 2024).
• Deliver $345.7 million for improved medication management services (including on site pharmacists).
• Deliver improved nutrition for residents.
• Mandatory public reporting by residential aged care facilities against quality indicators, staffing and spending. Facilities will need to report on the level of care, including allied health services.
• Additional funding to deliver multidisciplinary outreach services to aged care facilities. These teams are suggested to include allied health professionals.

Australian Labor Party

Did not respond specifically to Speech Pathology Australia election asks, however acknowledged “Allied Health has a key role in the strengthening of aged care. We know that care is enhanced when allied health professionals are included in a teams-based approach to care.”

Speech Pathology Australia received assurances, that if elected, the ALP will consult with stakeholders, including the Association, regarding the allied health workforce, and the specific issues raised in the Association’s documents. Key candidates responded that they would meet with Speech Pathology Australia post-election.

Official policy platform regarding residential aged care:

• Implement an increase 215 minutes of nursing and personal care for every resident.
• Implement 24/7 nurses.
• Better food for residents, supporting the Maggie Beer Foundation and implementing mandatory nutrition standards.
• Mandatory public reporting by residential aged care facilities against quality indicators, staffing and spending.
• No specific election pledges related to allied health.

Greens

Senator Janet Rice (Spokesperson for Family Ageing and Community Services) met with Gail Mulcair (CEO) and Kym Torresi (Senior Advisor Aged Care) prior to the election to listen directly to Speech Pathology Australia’s messages and key asks.

In their written response, the Greens agreed that it is important for people in residential aged care to access speech pathology services and have committed to advocating for additional funds to address the funding gap. Senator Rice also showed a strong understanding of the importance of nutrition and dedicated services for people with communication and swallowing needs.

Official policy platform regarding residential aged care:

• Implement an increase 258 minutes of nursing and personal care for every resident.
• Implement 24/7 nurses.
• Introduce staff to resident ratios.
• Phase out for-profit aged care facilities.
• Mandatory public reporting by residential aged care facilities against quality indicators, staffing and spending.

Others

Professor Monique Ryan (Independent)

No direct response to election asks, however agreed to meet with Speech Pathology Australia if elected. Stated that she “recognises the need to reduce barriers to accessing allied health services across a range of settings, including community, acute, and aged care.” Professor Ryan has publicly stated that urgent implementation of the Aged Care Royal Commission recommendations is one of her policy priorities.

Ms Rebekha Sharkie (Centre Alliance)

No direct response to election asks, however stated that one of her key policy objectives “...is to improve aged care which includes access to allied health services including speech pathology.” Ms Sharkie has also supported the need to implement the recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission, including speeches in parliament on 24 May 2021 and 25 May 2021.

Ms Zali Steggal (Independent)

No direct response to election asks, however agreed to meet with Speech Pathology Australia if re-elected. She has publicly stated that the recommendations of the Aged Care Royal Commission should be implemented in full.