US EditionLabor Delays Start Date for Aged Care Changes, Costing Budget $1 Billion
- The Australian government delayed the start of the new Aged Care Act by four months from July 1 to November 1, 2025, to give providers more preparation time.
- This decision came after intense lobbying by aged care peak bodies and sector warnings that the original July deadline was unrealistic and could cause severe disruptions.
- The delay allows providers to finalize systems for pricing, contract charges, and travel expenses, aiming to reduce confusion and ensure continuity of care during the transition.
- Health Minister Mark Butler stated that while the reforms are expected to generate savings totaling $12.6 billion across an 11-year span, initial expenditures will increase by $930 million over the next four years; OPAN CEO Craig Gear described the postponement as a cautious but essential move, emphasizing that older individuals require these changes to access adequate aged care.
- The postponement aims to improve aged care delivery and minimize disruption, though leaders expect ongoing challenges and emphasize that the Act must be implemented carefully to protect older Australians’ rights.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Sydney Morning Herald
Labor delays start date for aged care changes, costing budget $1 billion
The delay will add to a growing backlog of reforms for Labor, which is also yet to ink a five-year hospital funding deal and new disability system with the states.
Aged care sector reacts to reform delay - Aged Care Insite
A collective sigh of relief was heard across the Australian aged care sector yesterday as the Albanese government announced it will delay the commencement of the new Aged Care Act until November 1. The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing says it listened to experts and the aged care sector in making the decision to defer reform, so with less than 30 days left before the Act was due to commence, providers have been given a four month repr…
Aged Care Act delayed four months
The Federal Government has delayed the commencement of the new Aged Care Act weeks out from the initial 1 July scheduled date, with 1 November the new deadline. The delay – which has been welcomed by service providers, consumers and advocates – has been announced in response to advice from the sector and experts that more time will improve the delivery of the reforms and minimise disruption. Mark Butler (aph.gov.au) “The Albanese Government has…
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