2022-23 Financial Year
June 2023, A new regulatory model for aged care
In the third stage of consultations for designing its new regulatory model for aged care, the Department of Health and Aged Care consulted with stakeholders on how the proposed model will manage risks to older people receiving care, as well as on new provider registration and associated obligations. In its submission, the Foundation welcomed the emphasis on safeguarding the rights of older people, and voiced support for increased transparency to support informed decision-making by recipients of aged care services. To support continuous improvement in the aged care sector, the Foundation recommended that the new regulatory model facilitate improved continence care through greater workforce capability. We recommended that this be supported through the development and adoption of continence standards and that the new model engages older people through genuine co-design to address the issues in implementing the new model.
June 2023, Draft National Care and Support Economy Strategy
The Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet consulted on its draft National Care and Support Strategy 2023, which will provide a vision for Australia's care and support system and develop whole-of-system solutions across the aged care, disability and early childhood education and care sectors. In our response, the Foundation welcomed the Strategy’s focus on improving workforce capacity and system navigation, and its emphasis on person-centred care. However, we expressed concern that the Strategy may fail to consider the impact of incontinence on the provision of care and support services. The Foundation recommended that the Strategy enables the development of standards which support best practice, evidence-based continence care. We also advocated for the provision of training and professional development to enable care and support workers to become and remain competent in safe and effective continence care, and for continence care capabilities to be recognised and integrated in qualifications across the aged care, disability and early childhood sectors.
April 2023, The Early Years Strategy
The Department of Social Services consulted with Stakeholders on how the Commonwealth Government could best support children in their early years through policies and programs across the health, disability, early childhood education and care, and family support sectors. The Foundation, in its submission, supported the development of the Early Years Strategy, emphasizing its implementation as an opportunity to reduce the risk of incontinence in children. We proposed several measures the federal Government should implement to support bladder and bowel control in children. This included the establishment of integrated health and development checks by federal, state, and territory governments; investment in the continence specialist workforce to support professionals working in early childhood health, education and development to identify issues related to bladder and bowel control; improved data collection that reflects the prevalence and impact of incontinence on children and across the life course; and targeted approaches to support toilet training in children with higher needs and from disadvantaged communities.
February 2023, A New Disability Services Act
The Department of Social Services sought feedback from stakeholders to inform its new Disability Services Act, which will replace the Disability Services Act 1986. In its submission, the Foundation commended the new Act for proposing to address the barriers people with disability face to full social and economic participation. We also recommended that the new Act adopt a social model of disability to enable it to address these barriers, and that continence care and support be included in the supports and services covered by the Act.
January 2023, 2023-24 Pre-Budget submission
The Continence Foundation of Australia made a submission to the Federal Government’s 2023-24 budget. The submission includes two investment initiatives that will advance and improve access to preventative care and enhance the outcomes for people at risk of, and/or experiencing incontinence. The first initiative is to progress the objectives of the National Continence Program, and existing activities, to raise awareness, address stigma and discrimination, and provide information and training by developing an Australian Continence Action Plan. The second initiative is to implement a capability building program for general practice to strengthen the capacity of primary health care to meet increasing continence care needs throughout the population
January 2023, National Dementia Action Plan
The Australian Government, in conjunction with State and Territory Governments consulted with stakeholders to inform its National Dementia Action Plan (the Action Plan). The Foundation, in its submission, welcomed the intent behind the Action Plan to put the voices of people living with dementia, as well as their families and carers, at the centre of action on dementia. We also used the opportunity to raise awareness of incontinence as a co-morbidity with dementia and advocate for the Action Plan to include specific continence supports and facilitate access to specialist assessment and support services, including continence services.
2021-22 Financial Year
November 2022, Revised Aged Care Quality Standards
The Department of Health and Aged Care, in response to recommendations by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, has conducted a review of the Aged Care Quality Standards. It sought feedback from key stakeholders on strengthening the Standards including areas such as food and nutrition, diversity, dementia, clinical care, and governance. The Foundation made a written submission, in collaboration with CoNSA, advocating for safe and effective continence care that is person-centred, emphasised the importance of a skilled and qualified workforce and focused on concerns regarding the implementation and evaluation of the Standards.
November 2022, A new Program for In-Home Aged Care
In response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s recommendation to improve the current in-home aged care system, the Australian Government consulted with stakeholders on how best to implement a new in-home aged care program. The Foundation, in its submission, welcomed the development of a single and streamlined in-home aged care program, advocated for safer and more effective continence care and incontinence management in in-home aged care services, as well as increased access to continence assessments for recipients of in-home aged care services.
October 2022, Towards an aged care pricing framework
The Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHACPA) consulted with stakeholders to inform the development of its Pricing Framework, which it will use to provide costing and pricing advice to the Government. The Foundation, in its submission to the consultation, advocated for incontinence to be recognised as a cost-driver in residential aged care and raised concerns about the ability of the new funding model reflect the true cost of continence care.
October 2022, A new model for regulating aged care
The Australian Government, in response to recommendations from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, is introducing a modern and fit-for-purpose regulatory model to underpin the new Aged Care Act and to bring about improvements to aged care services within Australia. In its written submission, the Foundation endorsed the Rights-based and Person-centred approach to the new model, whilst advocating for stronger governance of the aged care system, and a workforce that is better equipped to deliver safe and effective continence care.
September 2022, Aged care data strategy
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (the Royal Commission) identified the importance of improved data governance and a national aged care data asset in its recommendations (67 and 108). The AIHW and Australian Department of Health and Aged care are partnering to develop the Aged Care Data Strategy and consulted with stakeholders to inform it. In its written response, the Foundation highlighted the need for contemporary data on incontinence in residential aged care and welcomed the Strategy as a step towards recognising the impact of incontinence on older Australians receiving care and support and putting older Australians at the centre of aged care.
September 2022, Select committee on work and care
On 3 August 2022, the Senate resolved to establish a Select Committee on Work and Care to inquire into and report on the extent and nature of work and care across Australia and the impact of changes in demographic and labour force patterns on work-care arrangements in recent decades. In its submission to the consultation, the Foundation advocated for greater recognition of the impact of caring for people with incontinence has on carers, as well as the economic burden of incontinence.
August 2022, Carer leave
The Productivity Commission undertook an inquiry examining the economic and social costs and benefits of providing an extended unpaid leave entitlement to informal carers of older Australians under the National Employment Standards (NES). It also examined how this entitlement would affect the behaviour of carers, older people, and employers, its overall and distributional effects on the welfare of these groups, and how it might affect government budgets. In its submission to the consultation, The Foundation supported the introduction of unpaid leave for carers and highlighted the impact that caring for people with incontinence has on carers.
February 2022, New inquiry into current Scheme implementation and forecasting for the NDIS
The Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) conducted an inquiry into the current scheme implementation and forecasting for the NDIS, with a focus on how the NDIS is implemented and funded, and what supports are or should be available for people with disability in addition to the NDIS. In its written submission, the Foundation put forward its recommendations for improving access to continence services for NDIS participants, expanding the continence workforce, and developing informational and referral pathways for continence assessment and care.
February 2022, General practice data and electronic clinical decision support
The Australian Government Department of Health consulted with stakeholders to inform thinking around primary health care data and the use of electronic clinical decision support systems (eCDS) in primary healthcare. In its submission to the online survey, the Foundation argued for improvements in data collection and the inclusion of continence-specific indicators to enable person-centred primary care.
January 2022, Strengthening approved aged care provider governance
The Australian Government Department of Health sought feedback about new requirements to enhance aged care provider governance regulations to enable better clinical care, reporting and record keeping of clinical care-related issues. In its submission to the online survey, the Foundation highlighted the lack of appropriate continence related care in the residential aged care sector and advocated for improved reporting requirements to better inform consumers on providers’ operations regarding continence care and the extent to which they meet Quality Standards.
January 2022, Federal Pre-Budget Submission 2022-2023
The Continence Foundation of Australia made a submission to the Federal Government’s 2022-23 budget. The Foundation’s submission outlines how strategic action in the 2022-23 budget would improve quality of life of all Australians affected by incontinence, but particularly for older people and people with disability. We propose a focus on four key areas: increased access to continence support, building workforce capability, improve economic participation and accelerate evidence-based research.
December 2021, Continence Foundation of Australian submission to the Australian Government Department of Health New Residential Aged Care Design Standards consultation
The Australian Government sought feedback on its development of new residential aged care accommodation design standards. In its consultation it focused on creating safer, more innovative residential aged care options, accessibility and enablement, and improving quality of life dementia-friendly services. The Foundation, in a written submission, advocated for continence care and incontinence management to be prioritised when guiding the design of residential aged care facilities.
November 2021, Submission to the NDIS Annual Pricing Review 2021-22 consultation
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) consulted with stakeholders on the best ways to improve the methods that inform how NDIS prices are set. Factors reviewed include, but are not limited to, existing price controls held by states and territories, cost of health services, and the geographical location of participants. In its written submission, the Foundation advocated for better stewardship of the NDIS to facilitate access to continence care and services.
November 2021, Submission to the 10 year Primary Health Care Plan 2022-2032
The Future Focused Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan was developed in response to recommendations from the Primary Health Reform Steering Group. The consultation sought feedback on how to improve the primary health care system, including people’s experiences of care, the system’s cost-efficiency, the health of populations, and the work life of health care providers. The Foundation submitted its feedback via an online survey on the Plan’s three reform streams: Future focused health care; Person-centered primary care, supported by funding reform; and Integrated care, locally delivered.
November 2021, Improving choice in residential aged care
The Future Focused Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan was developed in response to recommendations from the Primary Health Reform Steering Group. The consultation sought feedback on how to improve the primary health care system, including people’s experiences of care, the system’s cost-efficiency, the health of populations, and the work life of health care providers. The Foundation submitted its feedback via an online survey on the Plan’s three reform streams: Future focused health care; Person-centered primary care, supported by funding reform; and Integrated care, locally delivered.
October 2021, Submission to the Australian Government Department of Health consultation on the National Medicines Policy Review
A Review of the National Medicines Policy (NMP) was undertaken in 2021 in recognition of substantial changes to the heath landscape since the policy was published in 2000. The Expert Advisory Committee, which led the Review, consulted with stakeholders to identify any gaps in the NMP’s objectives, partnership approach and accountabilities. In its written submission, the foundation responded to several of the Terms of Reference and recommended that recognition be given to the effects of medications on continence, and for health professionals trained in continence care to facilitate advice where incontinence is recognised as a medication-linked condition.
October 2021, MRFF Australian medical research and innovation strategy and priorities consultation
The Australian Medical Research Advisory Board consulted with stakeholders to determine the Australian Medical Research and Innovation Strategy. Feedback was sought on the current Strategy and Priorities, including whether they could be improved to meet their purpose, current and future issues that should be addressed in the future Strategy, and how the Strategy can mitigate impacts of the pandemic on health services. In its written submission, the Foundation advocated for greater priority to be given to incontinence under the Strategy and for further investment into preventative interventions.
September 2021, Senate community affairs references committee inquiry into provision of GP and related primary health services to outer metropolitan, rural and regional Australians
The Senate referred an inquiry into the provision of general practitioner and related primary health services to outer metropolitan, rural, and regional Australians to the Senate Community Affairs Reference Committee. The consultation sought feedback on issues affecting primary health services including the Stronger Rural Health Strategy, Distribution Priority Areas, the Modified Monash Model and GP training reforms. In its submission to the inquiry, the Foundation put forward its recommendations to adequately address continence-related issues in outer metropolitan, rural and regional areas.
July 2021, Individual Support, Ageing and Disability Support Draft 2 Validation
SkillsIQ, in collaboration with the Aged Services Industry Reference Committee (IRC) and Disability Support IRC undertook a project to update the existing Certificate III in Individual Support, Certificate IV in Ageing Support and Certificate IV in Disability Qualifications. It sought feedback from stakeholders to ensure that these updates would enable workers in these sectors to access the relevant skills and knowledge, and to meet the current and future needs of the Australian healthcare system. The Foundation submitted feedback via a written submission on how the updates may best support person-centred continence care.
July 2021, Primary health reform steering group draft recommendations consultation
The primary Health Reform Steering Group developed 20 recommendations to guide further development of the Australian Government’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan. The recommendations focused on the person-centred health and care journey with a focus on one integrated system, adding building blocks for future primary health care, leadership and culture, primary care workforce development and innovation, innovation and technology, research and data, emergency preparedness, and implementation.
2020-21 Financial Year
May 2021, Skills IQ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Training Package
Skills IQ undertook the task of updating the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Training Package Qualifications to align and improve the skills for health workers working for the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
May 2021, Submission to the Australian Government Department of Social Services consultation on the National Disability Employment Strategy
The Australian Government Department of Social Services sought comment on a proposed ten year National Disability Employment Strategy to address disadvantage experienced by people with disability related to employment with the aim of increasing employment rates and economic inclusion for people with disability.
March 2021, Submission to the Skills IQ Aged Care and Disability Training Package Review
Skills IQ conducted a consultation review to update existing Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses on Individual Support, Ageing and Disability to ensure workers have relevant skills and knowledge to meet consumer needs.
March 2021, Submission to the Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme – Independent Assessments
The Joint Standing Committee on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) held an inquiry into the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) proposal of independent assessments as part of the NDIS access and planning processes in 2021. These assessments would assess an individual’s functional capacity which would be used to inform decisions about eligibility and funding within the NDIS.
February 2021, Submission to the Productivity Commission report on Mental Health – Online Survey consultation
The Productivity Commission inquiry into Mental Health conducted a comprehensive review of the mental health system and produced a final report which outlined 21 recommendations and 103 associated actions addressing prevention and early assistance, improving mental health and healthcare experiences of consumers, supporting mental health at workplaces and instilling incentives and accountability for improved outcomes.
2019-20 Financial Year
February 2020, Submission to the NDIS Annual Pricing Review 2020-21 consultation
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) consulted with stakeholders on the best ways to improve the methods that inform how NDIS prices are set. Factors reviewed include, but are not limited to, existing price controls held by states and territories, cost of health services and geographical location of participants.
December 2020, Submission to the Australian Government Department of Social Services Public consultations for the NDS and NDIS Outcomes Frameworks
The Australian Government Department of Social Services consulted on how to better measure and report outcomes for people with disability as part of the National Disability Strategy and NDIS through a joint framework. The aim will be to use these measures and indicators to monitor and improve outcomes for people with disability.
October 2020, Submission to the Australian Government Department of Social Services consultation on a new National Disability Strategy – Stage 2 Consultations
The Australian Government Department of Social Services sought feedback on the development of an overarching framework for disability reform and the new National Disability Strategy 2020-30 to improve the lives of Australians with disability, their families and carers.
July 2020, Submission to the Australian Government Department of Health’s consultation on the Pregnancy Care Guidelines – Nutrition, Physical Activity and Weight
The Pregnancy Care Guidelines are designed to support Australian maternity services to provide high-quality, evidence-based antenatal care to healthy pregnant women. They are intended for all health professionals who contribute to antenatal care including midwives, obstetricians, general practitioners, nurses, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and allied health professionals.
July 2020, Submission to the Aged Services Industry Reference Committee consultation on the Reimagined Personal Care Worker
Skills IQ sought input into what a personal care worker in aged care should be from the perspective of the consumer. Terms of reference included the breadth of consumer needs, the range and complexity of skills required to meet those needs and the extent to which these needs can be met by a personal care worker compared with a multi-disciplinary team.
June 2020, Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – Main submission
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety inquired into the quality of aged care services provided to Australians, whether the services meet the needs of older Australians, the extent of substandard care, mistreatment, abuse, systematic failures present in the aged care system and actions to be taken in response.
Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety – Workforce submission
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety called for submissions related to the aged care workforce to inform its final report. The Commission inquired into education and training of the workforce, workforce planning, staffing numbers and mix, conditions of employment and the role of the government.
November 2019, ACGP Standards for General Practice Residential Aged Care
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) sought feedback on its newly developed standards for general practice in residential aged care to support and enhance the delivery of quality and safe general practitioner care in residential aged care facilities.
December 2019, Submission to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Severe (third and fourth degree) Perineal Tears Clinical Care Standard
The clinical care standard was developed to improve national consistency in best practice care for the prevention, identification and management of third and fourth degree perineal tears. The guidelines apply to care for women planning a vaginal delivery and women who experience a severe perineal tear and involves care provided from prenatal to postoperative and antenatal care.
2018-19 Financial Year
June 2019, Educating the Nurse of the Future
The review aimed to assess the state of nursing education in Australia and provide independent advice on the effectiveness of current preparation to meet health consumer needs, factors affecting the choice of nursing as an occupation, transition to practice programs and competitiveness and attractiveness of Australian nursing qualifications in the international context.