Reforming aged care services

• By Casey Costello, NZ First MP based in Port Waikato

New Zealand’s 54th Parliament will be dissolved by the end of September. Despite this finite timeline, the work continues and will continue until after the November election, when New Zealanders elect the representatives who will make up the 55th Parliament.

One of the most important pieces of work I have been privileged to champion and drive as an MP and minister in this government is reform of aged care services.

This work included the establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) made up of sector and industry specialists who collaborated on this report on care reform.

The MAG’s independent report on aged care provides valuable insights to help guide future policy and funding decisions.

This work delivered on New Zealand First’s coalition agreement, which included a Health Select Committee enquiry and prioritising bipartisan collaboration.

For too long, governments have kept kicking the aged care can down the road, and this important report, which is available on the Ministry of Health website, provides a pathway for real reform.

What I have learned is that New Zealand has very good, aged care, provided by dedicated people.

However, the way that these services are funded is outdated and does not recognise the future investment required.

The current model is siloed and doesn’t deliver a cohesive system.

It was clear to me that we needed a proper aged care system that provides the right type of care in the right place – and that allows people to transition between the type of care they need, that’s easier to navigate and access, that’s fair, and that is sustainable and will endure as our population ages.

The MAG has produced a substantial report that sets out its views on the changes that would be required to create that system.

The report sets out a vision and 40 recommendations to develop an integrated aged care system.

I know that aged care is a significant issue that has a real impact on people’s lives, personal and government finances, the sector, and the wider health system.

I am incredibly proud that real reform is being considered and that, over the three years of this government, $446 million has been invested in the ongoing sustainability of the sector and to drive operational improvements.

I look forward to being able to be part of the 55th Parliament so that this important work can be delivered; practical, common sense and impactful reform.