AUSTRALIA | New funding will provide quality care for all Australian seniors as part of the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program.
The Albanese Government has announced it will provide AUD $900 million to ensure older people in Australian aged care can access quality, safe aged care services, no matter where they live.
As part of the AUD $5.6 billion aged care reform package announced on in early September 2024, AUD $600 million will be invested in Support at Home and an additional AUD $300 million in infrastructure funding will be made available to support providers operating in thin markets.
Eligible Support at Home providers will be able to apply for a two-year thin market grant to support their financial viability, with funding available from July 2025 onwards.
The grants will also support service continuity in rural or remote Australia, and for people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
The additional AUD $300 million in infrastructure funding will be made available through the ongoing Aged Care Capital Assistance Program. The program allocated grants are for improving aged care infrastructure and building new contemporary homes or staff accommodation where access to quality aged care services is limited or workforce challenges exist.
These additional supports have recognised the challenges faced by aged care providers in these regions or who deliver specialist services. They support aged care providers in thin markets to deliver quality and safe aged care services.
Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells said this funding is for all Australian seniors, not just for specific groups.
“Access to aged care is a fundamental right for every older person in Australia, regardless of where they live or the type of care they need," said Minister Wells.
"The AUD $900 million in funding that we are delivering from July 2025 will support aged care providers to operate in areas that need it most, and to deliver care for some of our nation’s most vulnerable people into the future.”
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