The Albanese Government is ensuring older Australians in Darwin can access the world-class residential aged care they deserve, close to the ones they love and the place they call home.
Delivering on a promise the Government made to Territorians at this year’s election, an Expression of Interest (EOI) to identify a delivery partner for a new residential care home of 120 beds or more in Greater Darwin is now open.
This milestone comes days before the commencement of Labor’s new Aged Care Act, which will deliver older Territorians more care and better care for generations.
The Government will invest up to $60 million through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program to build the new home, which aims to address critical supply shortages in aged care in Darwin and relieve pressures on hospitals.
To support this EOI, the Northern Territory Government is offering land next to the Palmerston Regional Hospital at no cost. Other locations within Greater Darwin will also be considered, where funded by the provider.
The new aged care home will deliver targeted services to address the needs of Teritorians, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and people with complex and higher care needs.
EOIs are sought from experienced residential care providers who have:
- a track record of delivering high-quality care and large-scale infrastructure projects
- an understanding of and capacity to deliver culturally safe care
- the capacity to attract and retain workers at the new home
- the capacity to co-contribute funding and complete the build within 18-36 months.
Interested providers have until Thursday 27 November 2025 to submit their EOI.
EOI documents, including instructions on how to participate, are available on GrantConnect.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy:
“Our Elders are important members of our Darwin community and deserve dignity, safety and respect in their later years.
“The Albanese Government’s $60 million investment is about ensuring more older Territorians can access the aged care they need, closer to their loved ones.
“I’m pleased the facility will also deliver targeted services to First Nations Elders, many of whom have complex care needs.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae
“The Albanese Labor Government is improving access to safe and high-quality aged care services in Darwin to help more older Territorians to get the care they need, sooner and closer to home.
“We’re on a mission to boost the availability of aged care in the Northern Territory, with this landmark investment building on almost $40 million for aged care providers in the Territory last month through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.
“This new home will take a great deal of pressure off local hospitals and those experiencing delayed discharge and give more First Nations elders access to culturally safe care that allows them to stay close to their families and connection to Country.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Northern Australia and Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling OAM MP:
“This expression of interest process will identify a provider to partner with us in delivering a new 120-bed aged care home for Greater Darwin, and I encourage local organisations to get involved.
“This $60 million investment delivers on our election commitment to expand aged care access in the Territory, helping more senior Territorians stay in Darwin and Palmerston, close to family and community, with the quality care they deserve. It’s on top of over $15 million in commonwealth funding for a new dementia-friendly unit at Southern Cross Pearl, which will provide even more support for older Territorians with higher care needs.
“The Federal Labor Government is doing the heavy lifting on health and aged care, with record investment in Territory hospitals and frontline services. Now we need the NT Government to step up and work with us to get this vital project built as quickly as possible.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour MP:
“Our elders have contributed so much to our community, and when they need to be looked after, its important they get the level of care they deserve.
“This commitment from the Albanese Government is critical and it reflects our continued focus and investment in the Northern Territory.”