The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) welcomes the Federal Labor Government’s response to the Interim First Nations Aged Care Commissioner’s landmark report, Transforming Aged Care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The response acknowledges what VACCHO has strongly advocated for and what Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Communities have been saying for many years. That older people and Elders deserve aged care that is culturally safe, healing informed and designed in genuine partnership with Aboriginal people.

VACCHO Acting CEO Jim O’Shea says the government’s commitment to establish a permanent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aged Care Commissioner is a welcome step forward.

“VACCHO has been advocating for this for over a year now, so we’re happy to see legislation introduced, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a voice in the aged care sector, and are not left behind.”

VACCHO has also strongly campaigned for redress payments for Stolen Generation survivors to be exempt from means testing, which has been successful in part, with exemptions made to those in residential aged care.

Mr O’Shea says VACCHO will continue to push for Stolen Generation redress payments to be exempt from all Aged Care income and asset testing, including those people receiving Support at Home programs.

“A permanent, independent Commissioner is certainly an important milestone and provides a strong foundation, but continued collaboration with ACCOs and Aboriginal communities will ensure our Elders can age with the dignity, respect and support they rightly deserve.”

While the government has accepted in principle the commitment to develop a 10-year transformational plan, Mr O’Shea says it is imperative that it progresses swiftly and not just become another plan that is left to gather dust.
“Our Elders and older people have waited long enough. They cannot, and should not, be asked to wait another decade for meaningful change,” Mr O’Shea said.

VACCHO would like to also acknowledge the leadership shown by National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ageing and Aged Care Council (NATSIAAC) and The Healing Foundation in advocating for these changes. VACCHO also appreciates the support of all the organisations that have supported VACCHO’s Equity for Elders Campaign.