The Australian Government is getting on with delivering generational aged care reforms, marked by the passage of the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill through Parliament today.
Labor inherited a fundamentally broken aged care system when we came to Government, and we’re working tirelessly to rebuild the system from the ground up, culminating in the delivery of a rights-based Act.
These reforms not only deliver 58 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety but also guarantee the fast-tracked care to older Australians.
Australians have been waiting decades for real aged care reform, and this Labor Government is getting on with the job of delivering an aged care system every older person, family and aged care worker can be proud of.
To support more older people to get the care they need so they can live safely and independently at home, the Government will bring forward 20,000 Home Care Packages to be delivered in the next eight weeks before the Act comes into force.
The Government will also release 63,000 extra Support at Home places by 30 June 2026, making sure people who need it can get the care they need faster.
We acknowledge the contributions and constructive engagement from the Opposition and crossbench to help secure a better outcome for so many older Australians for generations to come.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae:
“This is a fantastic outcome for older Australians and their families who have the certainty that more care is on the way, and a fantastic outcome for the aged care providers and workers who care for the people we love.
“This legislation is the final piece of the puzzle that paves the way for the commencement of the new Aged Care Act, and our new Support at Home program.
“We’re proud to have made this responsible decision to deliver more care, faster, to the older Australians who need it most.“