Aged care sector reform to occur off the back of historic $18 billion cash boost

The aged care sector is set to receive a transformational $18 billion package in tomorrow night's federal budget. The major cash boost responds to the damning findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety and will be used to address the needs of the distressed sector. The Royal Commission found one in three people living in aged care experienced neglect and physical or emotional abuse. The historic package is expected to support a better paid and highly trained aged-care workforce and ensure private operators remain profitable. Health Minister Greg Hunt has described the package as "the most significant investment in aged care in Australian history".