In a significant policy shift, the Albanese government has committed to fast-tracking the delivery of 20,000 home care packages by the end of October, following mounting pressure from opposition parties and crossbenchers in the Senate. This move comes after the government had initially opposed such a change, but has now agreed to meet the demand for critical aged care services amid a growing waitlist crisis.
The home care package system is a key element of Australia’s aged care sector, designed to provide support for elderly individuals wishing to stay in their homes as they age. With the number of elderly Australians needing assistance on the rise, the government’s decision to accelerate package delivery is seen as an urgent response to escalating public concern.
The Growing Demand for Home Care Services
The demand for home care packages has surged in recent years, with the latest figures indicating that over 109,000 Australians are currently waiting for packages. This has prompted widespread criticism, as many older Australians are left in limbo, unable to access the support they need.
According to recent data, approximately 121,000 individuals are still waiting to be assessed for the packages. The delay in releasing new packages has been exacerbated by the postponement of the new aged care system, which was originally set to begin in July but is now slated for November.
Despite previously opposing the accelerated release of packages, the government reversed its stance following pressure from crossbenchers, including independent Senator David Pocock. The Senate passed an amendment that called for the immediate release of additional packages, which was later backed by Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae. Rae had come under intense scrutiny in the House of Representatives for not providing updated figures on waiting lists.
Government Response: The Shift in Policy
In response to the Senate’s vote, Minister Mark Butler announced that 20,000 additional home care packages would be made available by the end of October. A further 20,000 will be distributed between November and December, with 43,000 more to follow in the first half of 2026. This accelerated rollout aims to ease the pressure on the aged care system, particularly for those on the priority waitlist.
While the government’s decision to bring forward the package rollout has been welcomed by advocates, it comes with additional costs, which Butler acknowledged. Critics, including opposition leaders Sussan Ley and Anne Ruston, argue that the government’s delays in releasing the packages have contributed to the worsening waitlist crisis.
Pocock, who championed the amendment in the Senate, described the government’s decision as a “huge win for community advocacy,” but emphasised that much more needs to be done to address the wider issues within the aged care sector.
