The Government has responded to the recommendations of the Aged Care Taskforce Report by announcing $4.9 billion in investments and structural reforms that will restore dignity to aged care for older Australians, long into the future.
The $5.6 billion package will ensure that government funding for aged care grows more sustainably, so that when people need it, dignified and high-quality residential aged care will be available.
The Albanese Government will also invest $4.3 billion to roll out a new system of home care, called Support at Home, which will come into effect on 1 July 2025 and benefit up to 1.4 million older Australians.
The Support at Home program will reduce average wait times to just three months from 1 July 2027, and help people stay at home for longer with improved access to more tailored care, more support for home modifications, and faster access to supports like walkers and wheelchairs.
This is in addition to a new rights-based Aged Care Bill 2024, which was introduced into Parliament on Thursday, and includes new laws to protect older Australians in aged care, introduces new rights and strengthens quality standards.
The reforms have bipartisan support from the Coalition.
Mr Neumann said the Albanese Government wants to give people more choice about the kind of care they can receive, and help them stay in their home and maintain their independence for longer.
“I know many older people in Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area want to live in independently in their own home. Our new Support at Home program will help make that possible and it will mean shorter wait times for people to receive help.
“But if the time comes when a person needs to move into residential care, they deserve to live in a comfortable space that meets their preferences and needs.
“These are the most significant aged care reforms in 30 years, and will improve the funding, viability and quality of aged care, and protect Australians in aged care from harm.
“I want to be clear that this is not about new taxes and it doesn’t change the treatment of the family home, but it does help us make room in the Federal Budget to ensure we can fund better services in the future.
“Also, a no worse off principle will provide certainty to people already in aged care and they won't have to make a greater contribution to their care.”
Mr Neumann said the Government’s announcement would provide more certainty for the aged care sector in Blair.
“I have been a strong supporter and advocate for local aged care providers, and have made numerous representations to Federal Ministers over many years.
“Earlier this year, I arranged a visit to Cabanda Care in Rosewood by the Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells to discuss the Government’s aged care reforms and meet with staff and residents, and last month, I visited Villa Maria Centre in Eastern Heights.
“We all know and love someone in home care or aged care and we want to see them get the support that they need. These changes will help us deliver better care for more people in our community in a more sustainable way.”
