The Minister for Aged Care, the Hon. Anika Wells MP, has established the Aged Care Taskforce as announced in the Federal Budget, which will deliver advice and recommendations to the Government and inform the future of aged care in Australia.

The Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA) congratulates Ms Mary Patetsos AM, FECCA’s immediate past Chairperson, for her appointment to the Aged Care Taskforce.

The Aged Care Taskforce, aims to review the funding arrangements for aged care, potentially including a new levy, and develop options and recommendations for a fair and equitable system.

“The most critical aspect of recognition is never personal,” Patetsos said following her appointment.

“For me, it reflects the significance of contributing to the common good. It is about my ability to create opportunities for others. Family and community are vital, and they enable individuals to flourish.”

Patetsos, who was honoured with the title of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) last January for her significant contributions to multicultural affairs and aged care, has served on the boards of several organisations.

Patetsos previously served as the chair of FECCA’s Healthy Aging Committee, gaining valuable experience in aged care service policies. She later became the president of the federation.

In 2020, she was listed as one of the 50 most influential women in South Australia by The Advertiser, the state’s largest newspaper.

Carlo Carli, the current president of FECCA, commended Patetsos, stating, “She is a respected leader in aged care and has tirelessly advocated for inclusive and fair aged care policies and services for multicultural communities. Her achievements speak for themselves.”

In addition to the taskforce’s responsibilities, Minister Anika Wells recently suggested that a levy, along with other funding proposals, should be considered to support aged care. The taskforce will examine these reforms, which will be determined through new legislation next year. This could potentially result in taxpayers contributing to the financing of aged care, with wealthier older Australians potentially being required to pay more.

Minister Wells promised that the outcome would provide “better care and greater clarity,” simplifying a system that often confuses individuals with complex processes.