Submission to the Inquiry into the Aged Care Amendment Bill 2020
FECCA’s submission to the inquiry into the Aged Care Amendment (Aged Care Recipient Classification) Bill 2020 highlights the importance of ensuring the proposed changes address the unique needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) older Australians. While FECCA supports reforms aimed at creating a more accurate and equitable classification system for care recipients under the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC), it raises concerns about the transparency of the algorithm-based classification process. Emphasising the potential risks of automated decision-making, citing past issues such as Robodebt, and advocates for greater clarity and oversight in the application of these algorithms to ensure they serve the best interests of vulnerable populations.
FECCA also recommends embedding a Diversity Advisor within the assessment system to ensure cultural competency, safety, and inclusivity during evaluations of CALD older persons. This aligns with recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which call for multidisciplinary assessment teams and a focus on autonomy and self-determination for care recipients. FECCA underscores that these changes should prioritise the unique needs of CALD individuals and reflect a commitment to diversity and inclusiveness, ensuring all Australians receive equitable and dignified aged care services.
