The federal government will bring forward the release of 40,000 home care packages to support older Australians living at home, following intense pressure from across the parliament and aged care advocates alarmed by ballooning waitlists.
Health Minister Mark Butler and Aged Care Minister Sam Rae confirmed earlier today that 20,000 packages will be funded immediately, with a further 20,000 released before the end of December. The move comes after the Coalition, Greens and Independents, including Senator David Pocock, teamed up in the Senate to force the government’s hand.
The packages form part of the 83,000 already promised under Labor’s broader reforms, originally scheduled to begin in November. The decision to delay their release had seen no new places allocated since July, pushing the number of people approved but waiting for care from 87,000 in March to 108,000 by July. A further 121,000 older Australians remain in the queue awaiting assessment.
At a parliamentary inquiry last week, aged care advocates, including the sector’s peak body Ageing Australia, warned that even an eight-week delay could be devastating, citing cases where people’s health rapidly declined without support. Providers also gave evidence that they had the capacity to roll out more packages immediately.
“We congratulate the Government on hearing our calls, with so many Australians waiting for care in their own homes. This is the start of the long road to get people off waitlists and the care they need.”
Tom Symondson, CEO, Ageing Australia
Health Minister Mark Butler described the government’s position as a “moving feast”, but insisted the decision was sensible and measured. “At the end of the day, we have said the bill needs to pass before the end of this week,” he said.
But the move was framed as a backdown by opponents. Opposition Leader Sussan Ley labelled it a “humiliating defeat.”
Greens spokesperson Penny Allman-Payne said the government had been “dragged kicking and screaming” to act, while Senator Pocock declared the announcement “a huge win for community advocacy”.
Beyond December, the government will release the remaining 43,000 home care packages in the first half of 2026.
