Aged care reforms great news for older Australians: CCOA

"A single streamlined service to support older Australians at home, in their own communities, is a critical step in the reform of aged care," CCOA said.

"We have strongly advocated for community care programs to be combined under one program to pave the way for more flexible and innovative services, and we are delighted the Government has heeded our call.

"We urge State leaders to support the reforms to ensure older Australians can benefit from a modern and responsive system as soon as possible." CCOA also welcomed the Government's announcement of more aged care places and increased funding to encourage extra GP services for older people, in addition to plans to improve transition care for people leaving hospital.

"Aged care must be an immediate priority for all governments if we are to properly cater for the needs of the dramatic increase in older people in the coming decades.

"We renew our call for the Federal Government to announce the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission inquiry into aged care as soon as possible.

"The Government has taken an important step in reforming aged care but must keep the process moving to ensure a sustainable aged care system able to provide the choices, and access, older Australians want and deserve.

"This is an opportunity for the Government to show that it can do business differently and work closely with those involved in the aged care sector including older people, their advocates and service providers."

CCOA comprises 11 national organisations providing community and residential aged care and housing.