The Australian government recently announced a transformative $5.6 billion aged care reform package, which it describes as a 'once in a generation' overhaul of the current system.

This significant investment is poised to reshape the landscape of aged care services, focusing on enhancing the quality and accessibility of care for older Australians.


Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heralded the reforms as the sector's 'greatest improvement' in three decades, with an optimistic projection of $12.6 billion in savings over the next ten years.

The heart of the reform is a substantial $4.3 billion allocation for in-home services, set to take effect on 1 July next year.


This move underscores seniors' growing preference to live independently at home for as long as possible and the government's commitment to supporting this choice.

The new Aged Care Act, which is expected to pass with bipartisan support, will introduce changes that impact funding for residential aged care.

A key feature of this legislation is the 'no worse off' guarantee, ensuring that individuals currently in aged care will not face increased costs for their care.


Additionally, the government has pledged to implement stronger measures to investigate and penalise misconduct by aged care providers.

Prime Minister Albanese emphasised the importance of caring for the generation that has contributed so much to society.

‘Reforms like this do not happen every day. They are once in a generation, and my government is proud to deliver them, as we said we would,’ he said.

‘More Australians are living longer, and that is a good thing.’

‘But I know that older Australians worry about going into aged care, and I know that their children and grandchildren worry about it as well.’

'This is about caring for the generation that cared for us.'

Aged Care Minister Anika Wells outlined the new Support at Home program, which aimed to significantly reduce the waiting time for in-home care to a maximum of three months by July 2027.

The program will encompass a range of services, including clinical care (such as nursing and occupational therapy), assistance with independence (help with showering, dressing, or medication management), and support for everyday living tasks (like cleaning, gardening, shopping, or meal preparation).


The government has committed to covering 100 per cent of the costs for clinical care services, while individuals will contribute more towards the costs of independence and everyday living services.

The financial implications of the reform will see self-funded retirees and part-pensioners contributing more, while fully supported pensioners will be exempt from the increased charges.

The net impact of these changes is projected to be a $930 million expenditure over four years, with the long-term view of achieving substantial savings and efficiencies.


In other news, significant reforms to Australia’s aged care sector may face delays, with a new implementation timeline potentially pushed to January or July 2025.

Leaked documents suggest that the rollout of the changes recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety remains to be determined. You can read more about it here.
How do you feel about the government's plan? Do you believe it will improve the quality of care for older Australians? Are you concerned about the potential financial impact on your retirement plans? Feel free to express your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.