New funding models in disability and aged care services are defining a “new world order of human services” with big impacts on service providers, says one executive working in the sector.
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Care West CEO, Tim Curran was speaking at forums in Mount Isa which examined the profound changes services like the NDIS and My Aged Care were having.
“These changes will have significant impacts on all community service providers, but smaller providers and those working in regional, rural and remote communities will be particularly affected,” Mr Curran said.
Mr Curran said they were hosting forums across regional new South Wales and Queensland to help inform local service providers about the significant reforms in disability, aged care and mental health services.
“Aged Care is going in a similar direction to the NDIS in that if you are assessed as being eligible to access funds then they can go and shop around if and choose what they want,” he said.
“It’s turned the sector upside down. In the past providers have been allocated numbers of packages and we bring them to clients now the clients can shop around in the market place for services.”
Mr Curran said the first day’s workshop provided a full strategic overview of the reforms and how they would impact service providers, aiming at managers, CEOs and board members and the second session was focused on governance and the role of the board as they oversee organisations.
It’s turned the sector upside down. In the past providers have been allocated numbers of packages and we bring them to clients now the clients can shop around in the market place for services
- Tim Curran
“Community organisations right across Australia are facing unprecedented changes due to an ageing population and funding and policy changes,” he said.
“These changes will have significant impacts on all community service providers, but smaller providers and those working in regional, rural and remote communities will be particularly affected.”
The sessions were chaired consultant Michael Goldsworthy who advises Australian government organisations about the reforms.