Today, the Department of Health confirmed the shocking truth – 121,596 older Australians are still waiting to be assessed for home care, on top of more than 87,000 already waiting for a package.
This is totally unacceptable.
Anthony Albanese and his Government have abandoned older Australians who want to remain independent in their own homes.
Labor promised to deliver an additional 83,000 home care places from 1 July 2025, but they have already broken this promise. Not a single new package has been released since the last financial year.
Despite Labor’s excuses that the sector “weren’t ready”, peak bodies, providers and advocacy groups unanimously told the Senate Community Affairs Committee today that the sector is “absolutely” ready to provide that care now.
Therefore, the Government must release packages immediately.
The Albanese Government lied at the last election about its commitment to supporting older Australians. Instead of delivering care, they are delivering excuses.
This Government must be condemned for putting politics before the rights of older Australians.
Labor must be held to account for their skyrocketing waitlist.
The Coalition is committed to ensuring older Australians receive the care they were promised – which is why we supported today’s Senate inquiry.
Shadow Minister for Aged Care, Senator Anne Ruston said, “It is utterly unacceptable that there is likely more than 200,000 older Australians stuck in limbo — either waiting to be assessed or waiting for a package while Labor hides behind excuses.”
“This is a cruel betrayal of vulnerable Australians who deserve dignity, choice and independence in their later years. The money is there, the sector is ready – but Labor refuses to act.”
@Anne_Ruston
/AnneRuston