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Automated aged care algorithm needs a human override, ombudsman finds
The report says the system was launched without meaningful risk checks and has driven a more than fivefold rise in appeals.
- Commonwealth Ombudsman Iain Anderson released a report on Monday stating the aged care classification algorithm lacks safeguards to override clinically inappropriate automated decisions, demanding legislative changes.
- Introduced on November 1, 2025, the Integrated Assessment Tool determines home care funding levels, though critics argue its lack of algorithmic transparency violates Robodebt Royal Commission recommendations.
- Around 1.1 million older Australians rely on the system, which the ombudsman described as administered "unreasonably" in a more than 100-page report citing five-fold increase in appeals.
- Health Minister Mark Butler and Aged Care Minister Sam Rae stated the government is "already acting on many of the recommendations," though officials rejected blanket override powers last week.
- Ministers commissioned an independent review into the assessment system due in the first half of 2027, accepting that future Aged Care Act changes must be "preceded by and informed by meaningful consultation.
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12 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 20%
R 20%
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