The nation's peak medical body has renewed calls for the federal government to pump more money into nursing homes in the aged care sector.
Australian Medical Association president Dr Tony Bartone says the issue can't wait in light of the aged care royal commission's interim findings.
The call comes as the Morrison government introduced legislation in parliament on Thursday to free up money for home care service users in the aged sector.
Service providers would be paid in arrears by the government, rather than invoicing it a month in advance.
"This is an important step towards addressing stakeholder concerns regarding unspent funds," government frontbencher Darren Chester told parliament.
At the moment, providers have to wait a month if they've underspent money, while overestimated budgets lock up their customers' cash for the next month.
Dr Bartone said the aged care facilities needed minimum staff-to-resident ratios, 24/7 nurse availability and mandatory minimum qualifications for carers.
"Care can't wait," he said.
"We cannot wait until the Royal Commission concludes to begin fixing the crisis."
Australian Associated Press
