Uniting NSW.ACT has urged the Senate to pass two key aged care reform bills without delay, while also highlighting several urgent issues in the new Aged Care Act that require government attention. Uniting took part in a public inquiry in Canberra last Friday alongside other providers and peaks.
In its submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025 and the Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, Uniting NSW.ACT warns that gaps in the Act could disadvantage financially vulnerable older Australians.
A major concern is the supported accommodation supplement, a government payment for residents of lower means. Uniting says the supplement is far below market accommodation charges, creating a funding gap of up to 51% compared to the national average refundable accommodation deposit (RAD). The current “40% accommodation supplement cliff” also discourages providers from accepting more low-means residents once that threshold is met. Uniting is calling for the scheduled 2026 review to be brought forward and for the payment structure to be overhauled to incentivise providers to maintain supported beds.
The submission also raises operational challenges with the Higher Everyday Living Fee (HELF), arguing that rules preventing agreements before entry unnecessarily delay admissions. Uniting says the basic daily fee, set at 85% of the age pension, remains inadequate despite rising service expectations, and it has urged a review of the Hotelling Supplement to address shortfalls.
On regulation, Uniting supports streamlining but warns that excessive compliance still diverts resources from frontline care. It has called for greater flexibility in care minute requirements, noting research showing no link between mandated minutes and resident outcomes, and advocating for inclusion of allied health and lifestyle staff in care delivery metrics.
Uniting also warns that rigid admission agreement rules could delay urgent placements from hospitals, increasing costs and bed blockages, and disadvantaging those awaiting guardianship decisions.
For home care, the organisation is concerned that the new co-contribution model could price out full pensioners renting in the private market. It wants automatic exemptions for those receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance, with shortfalls recouped from higher-means clients.
Despite these concerns, Uniting backs the passage of the Bills, stressing that delays to the Aged Care Act’s reforms are not in the best interests of older Australians or providers.
