Thursday Three - 11 01 2024

  • AAG consultation on new Aged Care Act

  • Survey on First Nations traditional medicines

  • Call for National Carer Strategy advisory committee

AAG consultation on new Aged Care Act

Public consultation on the exposure draft of the Bill for the new Aged Care Act closes on 16 February 2024. This draft incorporates the most significant changes proposed to the aged care system. There are several ways to provide feedback, including through an online survey by the Department of Health and Aged Care.

To inform and strengthen our response to the proposed changes, AAG will hold an online drop-in consultation session from 12.00 to 1.30 pm AEDT on Friday 9 February 2024. Come along for as long as you like over the 90 minutes, to share the issues of most interest and/or concern to you. Your input will strengthen our response to the exposure draft of the Bill.

Survey on First Nations traditional medicines

For the first time in Australia, a national survey focussed on First Nations traditional medicines is now open. 

First Nations traditional medicines are known to improve the cultural security of health services. However, there is little data directly from First Nations peoples and the health sector more broadly, to know what is needed and wanted. This first survey of its kind seeks to understand the views of:

  • The health sector: People working in any role in any type of health service, who support First Nations patients

  • Patients: All First Nations adults (including those who work in health services, because they can also be someone's patient).
     

This work is led by Dr Alana Gall, a proud Truwulway woman (Tasmanian Aboriginal) and a First Nations majority team, including Elders. Alana is an AAG member and recipient of a 2023 AAG Research Trust Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander grant to support her work in Australian First Nations traditional medicine's role in improving utilisation of palliative care for First Nations Elders and old people.

The surveys close at the end of January 2024, so don't miss this opportunity to ensure your voice is heard (plus, there are great prizes to be won!).

Call for National Carer Strategy advisory committee



A new National Carer Strategy, led by the Department of Social Services, aims to provide a framework for coordination of carer policy across Commonwealth portfolios including aged care, disability, veterans' affairs and mental health.
Nominations are open for carers to join the National Carer Strategy Advisory Committee through an open expression-of-interest (EOI) process. Drawing on their personal and professional experiences, members of the Committee will provide advice to Government and contribute to the development of the National Carer Strategy. This will involve contributing to the scope and approach of engagement, as well as the content and themes of the Strategy. EOIs must be submitted by 29 January 2024.