Albanese announces $10 billion aged care reform with bipartisan support

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a significant investment of $9.9 billion in aged care, which includes $5.6 billion for sector reforms and $4.3 billion for home support, set to commence on July 1, 2025. This initiative aims to enhance the quality and viability of the aged care system, ensuring that it meets the needs of older Australians who have contributed to society. The reforms will introduce a new home care program called Support at Home, designed to assist individuals in maintaining their independence before potentially transitioning to aged care facilities. The Support at Home program will provide essential clinical care and support for daily tasks, with a lifetime contribution cap of $130,000 for non-clinical care costs. Albanese emphasized that the reforms will not disadvantage those already in aged care facilities, and will reintroduce nurses into nursing homes, resulting in an additional 3.9 million minutes of care for residents daily. By 2035, approximately 1.4 million Australians are expected to benefit from this new program. Minister for Aged Care, Anita Wales, highlighted that the program will significantly improve in-home aged care services, reducing wait times and increasing ongoing care levels. The maximum support available will rise from $61,000 to $78,000, and the program will also facilitate access to assistive technology and temporary palliative care. Treasurer Jim Chalmers praised the reforms as a major improvement in care and a structural reform to the budget, projecting a net impact of $930 million in spending over four years, while saving $12.6 billion over the next decade. Albanese expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support, noting the importance of dignity and respect for older Australians in retirement.