AUSTRALIAN AGED CARE GETS BOOSTER DOSE
BioSpectrum Asia|BioSpectrum Asia June 2021
In 2017, there were 3.8 million Australians aged 65 and over (comprising 15 per cent of the total population) —increasing from 319,000 (5 per cent) in 1927 and 1.3 million (9 per cent) in 1977. The number and proportion of older Australians is expected to continue to grow. By 2057, it is projected that there will be 8.8 million older people in Australia (22 per cent of the population); by 2097, 12.8 million people (25 per cent) will be aged 65 and over according to Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2017. Looking at the growing trend, the government of Australia has a separate ministry for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services and undertaken many steps to support them with respect, care and dignity.
Narayan Kulkarni
AUSTRALIAN AGED CARE GETS BOOSTER DOSE

The Australian Government has taken an important step to deliver its reforms to aged care by introducing the first legislation in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. The Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment (Royal Commission Response No. 1) Bill 2021 has been introduced into Parliament on May 27, 2021, and makes necessary changes to current aged care legislation, ahead of the new Aged Care Act planned for 2023.

This bill is the first step in the Government’s five-year, five-pillar, aged care reform plan addressing home care, residential aged care services and sustainability, residential care quality and safety, workforce and governance. The health, safety and wellbeing of senior Australians is of the utmost importance to the government, and is driving its plan for generational change of the aged care sector.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said that the amendments will deliver immediate priority changes around restrictive practices, home care assurance reviews, and repeal the Aged Care Financing Authority. “Regulating the use of restrictive practices, like chemical and physical restraint, is a critical focus for the Australian Government to improve quality and safety of aged care”, Minister Hunt said.

“Addressing concerns raised by the Royal Commission and the independent review into restraint, our amendments will mean from July 1, we will have clearly defined restrictive practices, which align with the definitions used in the disability sector. We are strengthening legislation to ensure that restrictive practices are only used as a last resort, the impact on the care recipient is considered, and consent arrangements are clear,” said Hunt.

This story is from the BioSpectrum Asia June 2021 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the BioSpectrum Asia June 2021 edition of BioSpectrum Asia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BIOSPECTRUM ASIAView All
Korea designs sweat resistant wearable robot sensor
BioSpectrum Asia

Korea designs sweat resistant wearable robot sensor

New electromyography (EMG) sensor technology that allows the long-term stable control of wearable robots and is not affected by the wearer's sweat and dead skin has gained attention recently.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
Why Singapore is Deep Tech Innovation Frontrunner
BioSpectrum Asia

Why Singapore is Deep Tech Innovation Frontrunner

Move over Artificial Intelligence Al) and Machine Learning ML), there's a new technology on the block Deep Tech. This latest technology holds immense potential for the life sciences industry, and Singapore is leaving no stone unturned in becoming a deep tech hub. From strategic investments to collaborative initiatives and a supportive regulatory environment, read on to find out about the country's initiatives in becoming a deep tech superpower.

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
Can Shorter Regimens Eliminate Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis?
BioSpectrum Asia

Can Shorter Regimens Eliminate Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a significant stride in the battle against Tuberculosis (TB) by introducing shorter drug regimens, aiming to curb a disease that claims countless lives globally. This innovative approach addresses the urgent need for more efficient treatments, especially in regions where TB's toll is highest. With traditional therapies often posing risks to liver health, these shortened regimens offer hope, minimising such concerns while enhancing treatment adherence.

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
How pharma is finally researching issues that primarily affect women
BioSpectrum Asia

How pharma is finally researching issues that primarily affect women

Pharma is now concentrating on problems that impact women. Female participation will now directly contribute to cures for diseases that affect them, since more studies specifically targeted at women are planned.

time-read
8 mins  |
March 2024
Championing PAY PARITY
BioSpectrum Asia

Championing PAY PARITY

Despite women's significant strides and contributions in the healthcare field, they are paid less than men. Unfortunately, as is the case in most spheres, persistent pay disparities plague the life sciences sector. How big is the gender pay gap in the pharma industry? Are companies and the industry doing enough to address this issue? Let's find out.

time-read
6 mins  |
March 2024
ENGENDERING INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY IN LIFE SCIENCES
BioSpectrum Asia

ENGENDERING INCLUSIVITY & DIVERSITY IN LIFE SCIENCES

Globally, women constitute 46 per cent of the workforce in the public sector, whereas in the private sector, they represent 33 per cent. The public sector maintains a higher representation of women as employees compared to the private sector as per data from the World Bank.

time-read
10+ mins  |
March 2024
US FDA approves first medication to treat severe frostbite
BioSpectrum Asia

US FDA approves first medication to treat severe frostbite

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Eicos Sciences Inc’s Aurlumyn (iloprost) injection to treat severe frostbite in adults to reduce the risk of finger or toe amputation.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
Japanese startup RevolKa to create highly functional proteins by using AI-driven platform
BioSpectrum Asia

Japanese startup RevolKa to create highly functional proteins by using AI-driven platform

RevolKa, a venture-backed biotech startup providing a gamechanging protein engineering technology platform, based in Japan, has signed a contract research agreement with Sekisui Chemical.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
Taiwan's Anbogen secures $12.5M for advancing precision oncology drug development
BioSpectrum Asia

Taiwan's Anbogen secures $12.5M for advancing precision oncology drug development

Taiwan-based startup Anbogen Therapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company specialising in groundbreaking cancer drug development, has announced the successful completion of its Series A funding round.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
Samsung Biologics & LegoChem Biosciences team up for ADC development
BioSpectrum Asia

Samsung Biologics & LegoChem Biosciences team up for ADC development

South Korea-based Samsung Biologics, a global contract development and manufacturing organisation (CDMO), has signed a partnership agreement with LegoChem Biosciences, a Korean biotech company pioneering the research and development of antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) programmes.

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024