Australian Health Minister Mark Butler and Australian Aged Care Minister Sam Rae speak to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Lukas Coch/AAP

The Albanese government has announced 20,000 home care packages will be brought forward to be delivered before the end of October – immediately after opposing doing so in the Senate.

The Coalition, Greens and crossbenchers passed an amendment to aged care legislation moved by ACT independent David Pocock.

The vote went through without a division, but the government recorded its opposition.

The new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, had been under pressure in the House of Representatives this week over the huge waiting lists for packages, a position made worse by the delay of the implementation of the new aged care system from July to November.

According to the latest figures, there are 121,000 people waiting to be assessed, and nearly 109,000 waiting for packages. The government admitted to the latter figure in the Senate on Wednesday.

Minister for Ageing Mark Butler announced soon after the Senate vote that there would be 20,000 home care packages brought forward for release between now and the end of October, after which the new aged care system starts.

Between November 1 and December 31, 20,000 packages would be put into the system, he said. In the first six months of next year, the remaining 43,000 packages would be rolled out.

Butler said this reflected “an agreed position” between the government and the Liberals, “the two parties of government”. He said there would be some additional cost in bringing the rollout forward.

He flagged this cleared the way for the government’s legislation to get through the Senate this week.

The opposition said Rae had repeatedly claimed the figure was “around 87,000 people waiting” at the end of March, rather than providing the updated figure.

Oppositon leader Sussan Ley and aged care spokeswoman Anne Ruston said in a statement, “Labor promised 83,000 new packages from 1 July 2025, but instead decided to withhold support – despite the sector and the Department being ready to deliver them. Because of Labor’s delays not a single new home care package has been released this financial year.

"As a result, the priority waitlist has blown out to more than 108,000, a 400% increase in just two years, whilst wait times have tripled.”

Pocock said: “The government should have never delayed these additional Home Care packages. My amendment to release additional packages got support in the Senate today despite the Aged Care Minister’s opposition.

"Now the Health Minister has stepped in and announced the government will release the 20,000 additional home care packages the crossbench has been calling for since June.

"This is a huge win for community advocacy and will make a huge difference to older Australians but there is still so much more to do.”

The opposition said Rae was excluded from the government-opposition negotiation over the changed arrangements.

Asked at question time why he had not given the updated 109,000 number to the House of Representatives, Rae pointed to a longstainding process of verification.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

 

[PattiB]

I’m so glad that this has happened, It must be so hard for people who desperately need help. I have a few friends with packages and all of them complained about waiting times. One lady has had hers for several years, & has had to wait for every upgrade, so the delays have been happening for a long time.

 

[Lesley Colclough]

I know what the Government has said but how many houses went to people that have come to our country and have been given homes, cars and money, then they boast about it and call us Australian people racist? Everything should be done to the people here first not the ones that come here and take over everything and our country. What did our diggers go to war and lost their lives for ?

 

[mOiOz]

I know what the Government has said but how many houses went to people that have come to our country and have been given homes, cars and money, then they boast about it and call us Australian people racist? Everything should be done to the people here first not the ones that come here and take over everything and our country. What did our diggers go to war and lost their lives for ?

EXACTLY...!!! When I mention it, I'm called a racist too, and I'm also an immigrant.|
Too many people don't understand the difference between legal immigrants and refugee migrants! It's chalk and cheese...!

I've never known a First World PM like ours today, who has blatantly caused such hardship, trauma and fear by putting other people and countries before his very own, and getting away with it!
He needs to be charged for Treason!

 

[wildroseforever]

I know what the Government has said but how many houses went to people that have come to our country and have been given homes, cars and money, then they boast about it and call us Australian people racist? Everything should be done to the people here first not the ones that come here and take over everything and our country. What did our diggers go to war and lost their lives for ?

Where do you get this information from? Where are these houses that have been "given " to people? where are the cars that have been given to immigrants? as for money, immigrants can apply for the same govt grants that anyone can apply for , but only after waiting for anything from one to ten years.
Most immigrants work, and they work in areas that a lot of local people dont want to work in.
The only one racist is YOU

 

[wildroseforever]

EXACTLY...!!! When I mention it, I'm called a racist too, and I'm also an immigrant.|
Too many people don't understand the difference between legal immigrants and refugee migrants! It's chalk and cheese...!

I've never known a First World PM like ours today, who has blatantly caused such hardship, trauma and fear by putting other people and countries before his very own, and getting away with it!
He needs to be charged for Treason!

so what is the difference between legal immigrants and refugees????

 

[mOiOz]

so what is the difference between legal immigrants and refugees????

Waiting years for legally applied visas and passports through migration lawyers, for airfares, medical assessments, including X-rays and doctor reports, police documents as proof of no committed crimes, birth and marriage certificates, proof of education.
The cost is astronomical and the wait long.
Finding your own place to live and work with no financial support from the government, then waiting 3 yrs for temporary residence, with minimal assistance for young children, then up to 7-10 years for residency or citizenship!

I did not simply walk in penniless, with no ID of even a name, let alone health, education and ties to terrorist organisations. (Bearing in mind, that millions of terrorists were - and still are - PAID a fortune of money by terrorist organisations to infiltrate other countries, AMONGST the genuine refugees).
Most come from Third World countries and are uneducated and have no skills. When they get here, they are given housing and money by the government - and recently, thanks to Albanese, THOUSANDS were given CITIZENSHIP after ONE YEAR Yes, that was Albanese's plan to get voted into government!!!!! And it worked!

Most can't speak English and even a lot who can, are mostly on the dole!
This whole plan has been going on throughout the world for quite a few years now.
And the reason why? You would have obviously noticed that 90% are Muslim...(140,000 refuges to date) so suck it up, like France, UK, Netherlands etc., Islam is taking over!!!!

I never came here as a terrorist or even committed a crime other than 3 speeding tickets in 28 years. I relinquished my birth passport and became a true Aussie. I came here to make it my home and call my fellow Australians 'family'! I worked, paid taxes, did heaps of what I love most - volunteer work for this country - and am not trying take over or push my religion and culture on you!
THAT IS THE DIFFERENCE!
Sincerely
"The Truth Teller" Your translation: "Bigot"!

 

[Knell]

Waiting years for legally applied visas and passports through migration lawyers, for airfares, medical assessments, including X-rays and doctor reports, police documents as proof of no committed crimes, birth and marriage certificates, proof of education.
The cost is astronomical and the wait long.
Finding your own place to live and work with no financial support from the government, then waiting 3 yrs for temporary residence, with minimal assistance for young children, then up to 7-10 years for residency or citizenship!

I did not simply walk in penniless, with no ID of even a name, let alone health, education and ties to terrorist organisations. (Bearing in mind, that millions of terrorists were - and still are - PAID a fortune of money by terrorist organisations to infiltrate other countries, AMONGST the genuine refugees).
Most come from Third World countries and are uneducated and have no skills. When they get here, they are given housing and money by the government - and recently, thanks to Albanese, THOUSANDS were given CITIZENSHIP after ONE YEAR Yes, that was Albanese's plan to get voted into government!!!!! And it worked!

Most can't speak English and even a lot who can, are mostly on the dole!
This whole plan has been going on throughout the world for quite a few years now.
And the reason why? You would have obviously noticed that 90% are Muslim...(140,000 refuges to date) so suck it up, like France, UK, Netherlands etc., Islam is taking over!!!!

I never came here as a terrorist or even committed a crime other than 3 speeding tickets in 28 years. I relinquished my birth passport and became a true Aussie. I came here to make it my home and call my fellow Australians 'family'! I worked, paid taxes, did heaps of what I love most - volunteer work for this country - and am not trying take over or push my religion and culture on you!
THAT IS THE DIFFERENCE!
Sincerely
"The Truth Teller" Your translation: "Bigot"!

Wow - You really are the Queen of Propaganda/Misinformation!
Australian citizenship cannot be fast-tracked to just one year under current laws.
There is no evidence that the Albanese government changed these rules to allow refugees (or anyone) to become citizens after just one year.
Citizenship rules are governed by established law and have not been altered to favour any demographic for electoral gain.
Reliable data from the Refugee Council of Australia indicates that among refugees and humanitarian entrants since 2000, about 51.5% are Christian and around 34% are Muslim.
Australia’s annual humanitarian intake is about 20,000, not in the hundreds of thousands per year.
Muslims make up about 3.2% of Australia’s total population according to the 2021 Census - NOT TAKING OVER!
You really should not be intentionally spruiking misinformation. As you are a 1st generation immigrant - how about just be thankful and stop trying to cause harm. When you say - “I never came here as a terrorist” - I say - YOU SURE SOUND LIKE ONE!

 

[Towing]

The rules for Home Care Packages change (in Nov I think). It is ok introducing more packages but more carers have to be found to help people.

 

[riskydave]

Bloody tight arse money wasting government needs to wake up to itself and start looking after Australians instead of everyone else around the world.

 

[riskydave]

Where do you get this information from? Where are these houses that have been "given " to people? where are the cars that have been given to immigrants? as for money, immigrants can apply for the same govt grants that anyone can apply for , but only after waiting for anything from one to ten years.
Most immigrants work, and they work in areas that a lot of local people dont want to work in.
The only one racist is YOU

Not the ones elbow let's in, if they are not getting places to live then where are they staying??.

 

[mOiOz]

Wow - You really are the Queen of Propaganda/Misinformation!
Australian citizenship cannot be fast-tracked to just one year under current laws.
There is no evidence that the Albanese government changed these rules to allow refugees (or anyone) to become citizens after just one year.
Citizenship rules are governed by established law and have not been altered to favour any demographic for electoral gain.
Reliable data from the Refugee Council of Australia indicates that among refugees and humanitarian entrants since 2000, about 51.5% are Christian and around 34% are Muslim.
Australia’s annual humanitarian intake is about 20,000, not in the hundreds of thousands per year.
Muslims make up about 3.2% of Australia’s total population according to the 2021 Census - NOT TAKING OVER!
You really should not be intentionally spruiking misinformation. As you are a 1st generation immigrant - how about just be thankful and stop trying to cause harm. When you say - “I never came here as a terrorist” - I say - YOU SURE SOUND LIKE ONE!

Here it is smartass!!!
Or, should I say KING OF IGNORANCE/IDIOCY!!!!

asyluminsight.com
https://www.asyluminsight.com › oneyearoflabor

One Year of a Labor Government: Promises and …​

Feb 28, 2023 · This new visa allows Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV) holders who arrived in Australia prior to 2013 to transition to a permanent visa. This offers a permanent solution to over 19,000 …

ALSO: It's not the size of population that matters, it's the strength - mostly financial!

Albanese gives citizenship refugees after 1 year​

The Albanese government has made significant progress in providing citizenship to refugees within one year of their arrival in Australia. This includes the granting of permanent residency to approximately 19,000 refugees who arrived by boat, as part of their election promise to offer permanent protection to refugees and asylum seekers on temporary visas. The government has also introduced a 12-month extension of the Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration (EPRI) program to assist humanitarian migrants in securing employment or starting businesses sooner. These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to integrating refugees into Australian society and providing them with the necessary support to build their lives in Australia. (Ref: Refugee Council)

 

[Penny4]

Blimey! When I grew up in the 60's at school, there were kids from Lebanon, Pakistan, Europe, South Africa (white), America. There was no talk of racism in my day.

 

[Rellybee]

I know what the Government has said but how many houses went to people that have come to our country and have been given homes, cars and money, then they boast about it and call us Australian people racist? Everything should be done to the people here first not the ones that come here and take over everything and our country. What did our diggers go to war and lost their lives for ?

That is not totally true...Explain where you get this information from...

 

[Knell]

Here it is smartass!!!
Or, should I say KING OF IGNORANCE/IDIOCY!!!!

asyluminsight.com
https://www.asyluminsight.com › oneyearoflabor

One Year of a Labor Government: Promises and …​

Feb 28, 2023 · This new visa allows Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV) holders who arrived in Australia prior to 2013 to transition to a permanent visa. This offers a permanent solution to over 19,000 …

ALSO: It's not the size of population that matters, it's the strength - mostly financial!

Albanese gives citizenship refugees after 1 year​

The Albanese government has made significant progress in providing citizenship to refugees within one year of their arrival in Australia. This includes the granting of permanent residency to approximately 19,000 refugees who arrived by boat, as part of their election promise to offer permanent protection to refugees and asylum seekers on temporary visas. The government has also introduced a 12-month extension of the Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration (EPRI) program to assist humanitarian migrants in securing employment or starting businesses sooner. These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to integrating refugees into Australian society and providing them with the necessary support to build their lives in Australia. (Ref: Refugee Council)

The point you are missing or misrepresenting is - “This new visa allows Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV) holders who arrived in Australia prior to 2013 to transition to a permanent visa. This offers a permanent solution to over 19,000 …”
These refugees arrived years earlier under temporary visa classes.
What changed in 2023 was eligibility for permanent residency, not automatic citizenship. You can become eligible for citizenship after meeting the normal, multi‑year residency requirements—but not "within one year of arrival" under the Albanese government's efforts.

 

[mOiOz]

The point you are missing or misrepresenting is - “This new visa allows Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV) holders who arrived in Australia prior to 2013 to transition to a permanent visa. This offers a permanent solution to over 19,000 …”
These refugees arrived years earlier under temporary visa classes.
What changed in 2023 was eligibility for permanent residency, not automatic citizenship. You can become eligible for citizenship after meeting the normal, multi‑year residency requirements—but not "within one year of arrival" under the Albanese government's efforts.

Permanent Resolution of Status Visa
In Australia, refugees and asylum seekers can apply for citizenship after one year of residency. Specifically, after one year, they can apply for a permanent Resolution of Status Visa, which allows them to sponsor family members through the migration program. This process is part of the broader immigration policies that support refugees and asylum seekers in establishing their legal status and pathways to citizenship.

Australian Bureau of Statistics+1

Australian Bureau of Statistics
Migrant settlement outcomes - Australian Bureau of Statistics


Refugee Council of Australia
Permanent Resolution of Status Visa
In Australia, refugees and asylum seekers can apply for citizenship after one year of residency. Specifically, after one year, they can apply for a permanent Resolution of Status Visa, which allows them to sponsor family members through the migration program. This process is part of the broader immigration policies that support refugees and asylum seekers in establishing their legal status and pathways to citizenship.

Australian Bureau of Statistics+1

 

[Knell]

Permanent Resolution of Status Visa
In Australia, refugees and asylum seekers can apply for citizenship after one year of residency. Specifically, after one year, they can apply for a permanent Resolution of Status Visa, which allows them to sponsor family members through the migration program. This process is part of the broader immigration policies that support refugees and asylum seekers in establishing their legal status and pathways to citizenship.

Australian Bureau of Statistics+1

Australian Bureau of Statistics
Migrant settlement outcomes - Australian Bureau of Statistics


Refugee Council of Australia
Permanent Resolution of Status Visa
In Australia, refugees and asylum seekers can apply for citizenship after one year of residency. Specifically, after one year, they can apply for a permanent Resolution of Status Visa, which allows them to sponsor family members through the migration program. This process is part of the broader immigration policies that support refugees and asylum seekers in establishing their legal status and pathways to citizenship.

Australian Bureau of Statistics+1

Seriously! At this point, you're not debating—you're just repeating misinformation, ignoring facts when they’re presented, and leaning on fear, race, and conspiracy theories to push a narrative.
I’ve corrected the false claims with actual data and official sources. You’ve offered misquotes, exaggerations, and emotional noise.
If you’re not willing to engage honestly, there’s no point continuing. Misinformation doesn’t become truth just because you shout it louder.

 

[mOiOz]

Seriously! At this point, you're not debating—you're just repeating misinformation, ignoring facts when they’re presented, and leaning on fear, race, and conspiracy theories to push a narrative.
I’ve corrected the false claims with actual data and official sources. You’ve offered misquotes, exaggerations, and emotional noise.
If you’re not willing to engage honestly, there’s no point continuing.

Misinformation doesn’t become truth just because you shout it louder.

That applies to you.... keep your head in the sand, and wait for your arse to get kicked!
I copied and pasted that ORIGINAL information!!!!
So if you think I MADE IT UP... blame THEM, not ME!!!!!!