Policy & Reform

NSW acts on growing hospital bed block

Almost 1,300 patients across NSW are stuck in hospital beds despite being medically ready for discharge, with the state government…

Priority aged care access for MND

Australians living with motor neurone disease will be fast‑tracked into aged‑care services under new rules that give them priority access…

Senator questions Health’s budget underspend

Senator Anne Ruston has accused the federal government of hiding a $2.7bn “slush fund” after health officials were unable to…

Coalition intensifies criticism of aged care reforms

A 12‑month delay to Support at Home price caps has reignited political tensions, with the Coalition arguing that poor planning…

WA aged care bed numbers going backwards

The WA government has added 59 transition beds to support hospital discharges, but a recently released report highlights deeper structural…

Government delays Support at Home price caps

The federal government has delayed introducing price caps for the Support at Home program, citing market instability, while announcing new…

Australians wait 12 months for aged care

A new federal report shows older Australians are now waiting more than a year for aged care support, with experts…

“More to be done” for dementia

Dementia experts have welcomed the federal government’s funding boost for specialist programs but warn it must be matched by stronger,…

Budget 2026/27: Major gaps remain in aged care

Aged care providers and advocates have welcomed major Budget investments, including free personal care services and expanded dementia support, while…

Federal Budget: Everything we know so far

Strengthening the economy, tackling intergenerational inequity and building Australia’s resilience are among the key themes of the government’s forthcoming federal…

NSW launches inquiry into hospital bed block crisis

A landmark inquiry will examine why more than 900 elderly patients are stranded in NSW hospitals awaiting aged‑care placements, as…

Vic budget boosts aged care

The Victorian Budget delivers a sweeping $3.9 billion boost to the state’s health system, expanding aged care, hospital upgrades, emergency…

Sector responds to new $3bn aged care package

Aged‑care organisations have praised the government’s commitment to new beds, capital subsidies and expanded dementia services, but caution that long‑term…

Aged care funding misses one key point

The removal of personal‑care fees has been welcomed by advocates, but the shift also raises questions about how Australia funds…

Budget to deliver $3b aged‑care boost

A $3 billion Budget package will boost residential bed supply, expand Specialist Dementia Care units and increase capital support for…

Home-care co-payment for showering scrapped

Essential daily‑living supports will become free under Support at Home from October, following sustained pressure from advocates that argued older…

How computers still decide who gets care

Aged‑care assessors say the new Integrated Assessment Tool “handcuffs” their professional judgement, as hundreds of older Australians report being downgraded…

Ombudsman probes home care assessment tool

The Commonwealth Ombudsman is investigating the Support at Home assessment system after a surge in complaints, with experts warning the…

Older people at risk as fuel crisis deepens

Aged care leaders warn that rising fuel costs and empty petrol stations are already disrupting services, leaving older Australians increasingly…

Politicians slam Labor’s ‘botched’ aged care overhaul

Politicians from across parliament say Labor’s aged care reforms are leaving older Australians worse off, warning delays, red tape and…

Poll: Gas export tax should fund aged care

New polling shows most Australians want a gas export tax to fund health and aged care, even as major parties…

Government faces backlash over aged care algorithm

Advocates say the aged care assessment tool is failing to reflect real needs, despite the Minister insisting complaints are minimal…

SA Labor to deliver on aged care

With Labor returned to government in South Australia, Premier Peter Malinauskas has set out a sweeping health agenda, including major…

Sector pushes to keep CHSP

A new alliance of aged‑care, health and consumer groups is urging the government to keep CHSP separate from Support at…

Tasmania secures aged care boost

Deloraine will receive a new 40‑bed aged‑care wing under an $18 million federal investment, expanding access for older Tasmanians.