The ongoing debate over setting minimal staffing ratios has taken a new and positive turn. I support the notion, that there should be a review of staffing in aged care, however to do that properly we also need to move away from the current ACFI assessment based model of funding that is unproductive and not cost effective. Introducing minimal staffing levels will be just that… minimal and any legislation around it will give poor providers some where else to hide. Staffing ratios must be linked to skill levels and must be flexible to change with the changing needs of the residents. In the link below, Rebekha Sharkie ( Central Alliance candidate for Mayo) sets out a balanced and well considered alternative through legislation that will require operators to publish all rostered hours for their resident population. This will provide a far more accurate assessment of the actual care and resources provided to residents.

https://centrealliance.org.au/media/media/new-laws-to-make-aged-care-staff-ratios-black-and-white/