NSW Health Minister says 'Workforce and Care Models not equipped" to support aging population

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park, who commended the approach adopted by the Healthy@Home consortium at the recent NSSB ageing forum said, “we cannot simply build our way out of this (health) challenge. The number of Australians aged 65 and over is expected to double by 2057".

Minister Park went on to say “Our traditional care models and workforce are not equipped to meet this demand. Both the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and the Aged Care Taskforce have made it clear that the aged care sector in its current form is not financially or operationally positioned to deliver the care Australians need.”

The Health Minister said initiatives which allowed older Australians to age in place, staying in their homes where they feel comfortable and connected to their communities were crucial.“Together, we are proving that technology isn’t just a tool; it’s a lifeline for an ageing population and a foundation for a more resilient healthcare system,” he said.