The Albanese Government is providing $900 million to ensure older people in Australia can access quality safe aged care services, no matter where they live.
As part of the $5.6 billion aged care reform package announced on 12 September 2024, $600 million will be invested in Support at Home and an additional $300 million in infrastructure funding will be made available to support providers operating in thin markets.
Eligible Support at Home providers will be able to apply for a 2-year thin market grant to support their financial viability, with funding available from 1 July 2025.
The grants will support service continuity in rural or remote Australia, and for people with diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
The additional $300 million in infrastructure funding will be made available through the ongoing Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP).
ACCAP grants are for improving aged care infrastructure and building new contemporary homes or staff accommodation where access to quality aged care services is limited or workforce challenges exist.
These additional supports recognise the challenges faced by aged care providers in these regions or who deliver specialist services. They support aged care providers in thin markets to deliver quality and safe aged care services.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells:
"Access to aged care is a fundamental right for every older person in Australia, regardless of where they live or the type of care they need.
"The $900 million in funding that we are delivering from 1 July 2025 will support aged care providers to operate in areas that need it most, and to deliver care for some of our nation's most vulnerable people into the future."
