The Australian Government is investing A$312.6 million (approximately $200 million) over four years to improve the ICT system in aged care.
It is part of the October 2022-2023 budget of A$3.9 billion ($2.5 billion) to implement aged care reforms to “improve safety, dignity, qualities and people.”
WHY IT IMPORTANT
According to Health Secretary Mark Butler, the ICT modernization budget will help reduce the administrative burden for more than 2,000 providers and maintain the existing operation of the My Aged Care system, helping to connect older people with government-funded aged care services.
BIGGER BACKGROUND
An industry survey conducted in June by the Aged Care Technology Association found that a lack of implementation of digital systems in the aged care sector.
The Royal Commission on Aged Care Quality and Safety also noted in its 2021 report that the aged care sector is “deeply similar” and “behind” other sectors in the use of aged care. and technology applications. Of the 148 recommendations sent to the federal government, 126 were accepted, of which 30 were ICT-related. The October budget is delivering based on some of these accepted recommendations.
In addition to the ICT budget, the government is also providing A$2.5 billion ($1.6 billion) to require each aged care service to have a registered nurse 24 hours a day at place, as well as increasing the time spent for each citizen.
