Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

The government also strongly opposes this amendment. The protections are important for older Australians who have shared lived experience of feeling pressured by providers to agree to an additional service fee in order to secure a place in a facility, even if they did not want the services on offer. The higher everyday living fee arrangements will prescribe that the fee can only be charged for additional or higher quality items and services, and can only be charged where a person has agreed to, and can, make use of those services. For example, a person who can no longer swallow cannot be asked to pay for a hot breakfast each day. Essential allied health services would not be eligible for a higher everyday living fee, except where a resident wished to use services beyond those considered essential for their care.

Capital items are expected to be funded through accommodation prices, although access fees could form part of a higher everyday living fee. This is a change from the extra services fee, which included a capital component. Providers will be able to provide information about the services offered for a higher everyday living fee to residents before they have entered care to support consumer choice around their preferred facility. This includes advertising higher everyday living services available at a facility on My Aged Care.

Question negatived.