Dietitians Australia welcomes the focus on aged care legislative reform by the Albanese Government on the first parliamentary sitting day for the new government. 

“We’re hopeful this is just the start of a meaningful transformation of our aged care sector, and the lives of our elderly Australians,” Mr Hunt said.  

“We are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to meet with Minister Wells. As the leading voice in nutrition and dietetics in Australia we are committed to ensuring malnutrition in aged care is eradicated and money intended to be spent on food for residents makes its way into nutritious meals that are consumed. 

“With skill shortages and the winter wave of COVID-19 the aged care workforce is stretched beyond its limits.  

“Who is on hand to help ensure resident mealtimes are supervised and supported with a nourishing meal plan? 

“Our Accredited Practising Dietitians can help relieve some of the pressure being experienced in the aged care workforce, we have hundreds of them skilled in aged care nutrition, willing and eager to contribute. 

“We are still concerned that under the Government’s Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Financial Transparency) Bill, it still relies on self-reporting by aged care providers, there is no independent audit.  

“For a sector in such a state of crisis, we need the requirement for accountability and transparency to go much further than this. 

“It will be a relief to many Australian families knowing there could soon be a guarantee their loved ones will have access to a registered nurse on duty in their aged care facilities.  

ENDS