Canberra, 22 November 2024 – The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) welcomes the Senate’s passage of the new Aged Care Act, a critical step towards embedding respect, equity and dignity into the aged care system.
FECCA has long called for reforms that prioritise the rights of all older Australians and ensure no one is left behind due to cultural or linguistic barriers. This Act offers an opportunity to create a framework where culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) older people are treated with the same respect and dignity as everyone else.
Peter Doukas OAM, Chair of FECCA, said:
“This is an important milestone in aged care reform, but the real work begins now. We must see implementation that delivers tangible, rights-based outcomes for all older Australians. That means ensuring the voices of CALD communities are heard and their needs represented at every level of aged care policy and service delivery.”
Mary Ann Baquero Geronimo, CEO of FECCA, added:
“To truly realise the potential of this Act, we must focus on three key areas: providing support to navigate the aged care system, educating CALD older persons about their rights and available services, and ensuring the sustainability of smaller yet effective providers serving CALD communities. These steps are essential to building an inclusive aged care environment.”
FECCA has consistently advocated for an aged care system that is inclusive, culturally competent, and reflective of the multicultural fabric of Australian society. The organisation emphasises that true reform will only be achieved if the Act’s implementation leads to:
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Accessible and culturally sensitive aged care services for all, irrespective of background.
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Strong engagement with CALD communities to inform policy and ensure inclusive practices.
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Robust oversight to guarantee the rights of all older Australians are upheld.
FECCA will continue to work with the Federal Government and stakeholders to ensure these principles remain at the forefront of aged care reform. As the Act comes into effect, FECCA urges a focus on tangible results that address the systemic inequities CALD communities face in accessing and navigating aged care.
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