The Australian Government is delivering more aged care beds where they are needed most, as soon as possible, ensuring older Australians can access the world-class care they deserve.
Today, we announce the results of the first of four Expressions of Interests opened by the Government earlier this year through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP).
This investment, alongside contributions from providers will help unlock a total of $134.5 million to support the creation of 268 new beds across 5 sites in Adelaide.
This investment is unlocking opportunities to build and open more beds where demand is most significant and will help address immediate delayed discharge pressures on hospitals in these areas.
The projects include a mix of new construction, expansion of existing homes and targeted upgrades that will bring additional beds online even faster. These investments all represent strong value for money and demonstrate how targeted efforts like this can unlock projects capable of rapidly increasing the supply of high-quality care for older people.
The projects also have a strong focus on supporting older people with higher and more complex care needs including dementia, who can often struggle to find appropriate residential aged care supports.
This announcement builds on previous ACCAP rounds that have now invested over $1 billion since 2022 into boosting the supply and quality of residential aged care in every corner of the country.
The results from the remaining EOIs relating to the Illawarra, Hunter and Perth will be made available shortly.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Hon. Mark Butler MP:
“The Albanese Government’s record investments to increase the supply of aged care beds in the system is delivering, and it’s fantastic this latest round of funding will mean an extra 268 beds, here in Adelaide.”
“We know the challenge we face to increase bed capacity in our health and aged care systems, and that is why we’re investing so strongly to expand supply as quickly as possible.”
“Our Government has already invested $1 billion in expanding bed capacity in the aged care system and this latest round of funding is part of our ongoing work to increase supply in areas of most need.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Hon. Sam Rae MP:
“The Albanese Government is on a mission to deliver more beds, faster and in the places they are most needed – we’re delivering on this promise with 268 more beds to be available in Adelaide.
“This announcement is yet another step in our methodical work to identify areas where bed capacity is most urgently needed and move quickly to fix it.
“We want every older Australian to access the care they need, closer to home. That’s exactly why we’re making these crucial investments to improve access as quickly as possible
“We’ve already invested $1 billion in aged care capital through ACCAP – more than any previous government – and we’ll continue to invest in aged care supply as our population ages and demand increases.
Attributable to South Australian Acting Minister for Health and Wellbeing, Chris Picton
“The State Government welcomes the Commonwealth’s significant investment in Aged Care across five sites in Adelaide, which will deliver almost 270 extra beds.
“These beds are desperately needed, with 453 elderly patients currently in SA health facilities waiting for an aged care placement.
“The Malinauskas Labor Government is also investing directly in extra beds to help transition elderly patients who no longer require hospital care, including at College Grove in Walkerville.
“We’re also encouraging private providers to build more aged care homes in South Australia through the establishment of a $250 million no-interest loan scheme.”
