Policy & Reform

Labor moves to introduce IAT review pathway

A new escalation mechanism for aged care assessment decisions has been welcomed as an interim solution for older Australians, though…

Government targets unfair aged care fees

The federal government has moved to stop aged care providers charging residents extra for services they were already receiving, with…

New insights into elder abuse outside the cities

A landmark national study has found financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse in regional Australia, with…

The private health rebate debate

As debate continues over the future of age-based private health insurance rebates, researchers say historical evidence points to only modest…

Aged care workers’ national push for staffing ratios

Aged care nurses and carers have launched a national campaign calling for mandated staffing ratios, stronger action on workplace violence…

NSW warns bed block could hit 1700 patients

More than 1,300 patients are stranded in NSW hospitals awaiting aged care or NDIS support, with health authorities warning the…

First National Health Literacy Framework launched

A new national framework will guide governments, health services and community organisations in improving health literacy, with modelling suggesting better…

States push for action on aged care bed block

State and territory health ministers are pressing Canberra for more Support at Home packages, arguing delays in aged care placements…

More aged care funding, more questions

The federal government will increase residential aged care funding from October, but providers argue the rise fails to keep pace…

Older Australians brace for rebate cuts

Opposition to the government's proposed private health insurance rebate changes is growing, with critics warning the reforms could make cover…

What’s keeping men out of care work?

Researchers say attracting more men to aged care and disability support will require better job security, improved conditions and greater…

ACQSC identifies ’key risk’ targets

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission will focus on four key risk areas in 2026-27, targeting issues it believes…

Providers welcome CHSP reprieve

The government's decision to retain CHSP as a standalone program has been praised across the aged care sector, with leaders…

Pressure mounts on aged care algorithm

Aged care assessments are facing renewed scrutiny after the Senate supported a motion urging the Government to abandon the Integrated…

Government extends CHSP to 2029

After months of sector advocacy and calls for clarity, the Albanese government has confirmed CHSP will remain a standalone program…

First National Nursing Workforce Strategy launched

Australia’s first National Nursing Workforce Strategy has been launched, with nursing organisations welcoming the roadmap while calling for funding, accountability…

Wait times drop, IAT bill stalls

New quarterly data shows older Australians are receiving aged care funding faster, with wait times falling across most priority categories…

WA providers want say at SaH inquiry

Western Australia’s largest aged care providers are pushing for a local hearing into the Support at Home reforms, warning the…

$180m for Aboriginal health infrastructure

The Federal Government has launched a $180 million infrastructure funding round for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, supporting new health…

NSW warns of aged care funding gap

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park has warned that difficulties accessing respiratory assistive technology through aged care programs could increase hospital…

Aged care development ‘constipated’: Minister

The Federal Government has committed $25.9 million to expand six aged care homes across the Illawarra, with the projects expected…

Are spare rooms a solution to social isolation?

Research has found homesharing could help address housing pressures and loneliness, but concerns about privacy, safety and lifestyle disruption mean…

$134m Adelaide aged care expansion

A federal funding package is expected to unlock more than $134 million in aged care investment across Adelaide, supporting 268…

WA aged care providers unveil reform roadmap

Western Australia's largest aged care providers are urging governments to act on workforce, infrastructure and planning challenges, warning the state…

Aged care promises not being realised: Watchdog

Aged Care Inspector-General Natalie Siegel-Brown says long waits, system complexity and co-payments are undermining the very reforms designed to help…