Minister for Aged Care promoted to Labor cabinet

Minister for Aged Care and Sport Anika Wells has benefitted from a recent party reshuffle, in which Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promoted four women to cabinet.

At a ceremony on January 20 the Prime Minister praised Ms Wells' work ethic, commenting that she has done an “outstanding job” in delivering aged care reform.

“Anika Wells has delivered the most significant reforms on aged care this century with the legislation that passed through both houses of Parliament at the end of last year and has delivered on the commitments that were made,” he said.

“There is now a nurse in a nursing home, as they used to be called, 99 per cent of the time.

“There are literally millions of hours of additional care being given to our older Australians who deserve to live their later years with dignity and with respect.”

The Labor cabinet now consists of 11 male and 11 female members, with Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth taking over at the helm of the NDIS following Bill Shorten's departure, and both Finance Minister Katy Gallagher and Early Childhood Education Minister Anne Aly also receiving promotions.

In a statement, Ms Wells thanked the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve in his senior leadership team.

“Millions of older Australians and their families rely on our aged care sector,” she said.

“Our once-in-a-generation aged care reform will ensure all older Australians are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.

“We’ve delivered a nurse in every aged care home, more carers with more time to care and an historic wage increase to aged care workers. 

“There is still more to do as we deliver the Aged Care Act and I look forward to continuing this work with senior portfolio minister Mark Butler.”

The aged care sector has reacted to the news with messages of support.

“Minister Wells has set the agenda for aged care reform since she introduced the first crucial pieces of legislation to address outstanding recommendations from the Aged Care Royal Commission to Parliament two-and-a-half years ago,” Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) chief Craig Gear OAM said.

“Since then, Minister Wells has overseen a number of key reforms, such as 24/7 nursing and wage increases for aged care staff.

“I personally would like to thank Minister Wells for her steady stewardship of the new rights-based Aged Care Act through the parliamentary process. The passage of the Bill in November was an historic day for aged care reform.

“Minister Wells’ promotion not only acknowledges her significant achievements in a short space of time, it also gives aged care a designated seat at the table.”