Aged Care Developments on August 31, 2025

Key takeaway: Stakeholders continued to press the federal government for urgent action on Home Care Packages ahead of the November launch of the new Support at Home program, while parliamentary inquiry hearings commenced in Canberra.

Senate inquiry hearings begin in Canberra

The Senate Community Affairs References Committee opened public hearings today in Canberra to examine the consequences of delaying the Support at Home program and withholding additional Home Care Packages. The inquiry, referred on 28 July, is assessing impacts on older Australians, their families and state health systems. Witnesses are expected to highlight hospital “exit block” issues arising from insufficient in-home care and to propose solutions for the backlog of unmet care needs.

National Seniors urges backlog clearance

National Seniors Australia reiterated calls for the government to “clear the home care backlog” before the new Support at Home program’s 1 November commencement. In submissions presented to the Senate inquiry, NSA noted that as of 31 March 2025, nearly 88,000 older Australians remained on the National Priority List awaiting Home Care Packages at their approved level. The organisation warned that continued delays would exacerbate hospital bed shortages and lead to more expensive residential care admissions.

Minister defends deferral of new Aged Care Act

Speaking on Sky News today, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae defended the decision to postpone the Aged Care Act rollout from 1 July to 1 November 2025. Minister Rae emphasised that extensive sector consultation revealed providers and workforce representatives needed more time to prepare for the reforms. He confirmed the government is releasing an average of over 2,000 Home Care Packages per week, with high-priority clients to receive packages within one month.