While the Australian population is ageing, the population of people from culturally diverse backgrounds is ageing at a more rapid rate. Therefore ACSA identified cultural diversity as a priority area and developed a cultural diversity policy.
The CALD policy was launched by Greg Mundy, ACSA CEO, at the ACSA National Conference in September 2006.
ACSA identified indigenous aged care as a priority for work in its 2005-2008 strategic plan. A small national working group was established to assist with this work. A national planning meeting of indigenous providers was held in February 2006 to develop a national agenda for action. The areas identified as critical for attention are:
The ACSA Federation has agreed to provide the Indigienous Flexible Service with some support.
In late 2005 ACSA formed a Day Therapy Centre (DTC) Reference Group with the aim of developing a national policy position on the issues facing these services. Members of the Reference Group include DTC service providers and ACSA Federation staff.
In 2005 a strategic alliance was established between Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) and the Case Management Society of Australia (CMSA) for the specific purpose of influencing community care reform where case management is concerned.
ACSA and the CMSA formed a Working Group to develop a position paper for case management reform within a 'systems' framework and the benefit of the model within the health and social services.
The Position Paper was launched on Thursday 16th February 2006 at the CMSA Conference in Melbourne. Feedback on the paper is welcome.
