The Senate has launched an inquiry into the delayed rollout of the support at home aged care reform, driven by growing concern over unmet needs and extended waitlists. The government refuses to release any extra home care packages before 1 November, when the new Act takes effect. Meanwhile, more than 87,000 older Australians wait for support packages that are yet to be delivered, a situation many describe as urgent and in need of immediate attention.
Background: Support at Home Aged Care Reform and Delay
The 2025 aged care reform, originally slated for a 1 July 2025 launch, promised 83,000 additional home care packages as part of the Support at Home scheme. But the rollout has been postponed to 1 November to ensure a smoother transition for providers, clients and staff. Aged Care Minister Sam Rae wrote to crossbenchers:
“We made the difficult decision to defer the start date of the Act until 1 November, so that providers, clients and staff working in the sector are ready for the transition… new funding … will commence rolling out at a later time” .
The delay also puts on hold the promised 83,000 packages until November.
Why the Delay Is a Concern
More than 87,000 people currently wait for a home care package, with Level 4 recipients facing wait times of 12–15 months. This backlog raises serious problems:
- People stay longer in the hospital because they lack the support to go home safely
- Some enter residential aged care earlier than needed
- Others struggle at home without help
- Senator David Pocock argues there is a “huge human cost” to this delay.
The Robin Rawson Story
Robin Rawson was 93 years old and determined to live out her final days in the comfort of her own home. Like many older Australians, she applied for a Level 4 Home Care Package, the highest level of support available under the current aged care system.
Her condition was deteriorating, and she urgently needed help with daily tasks and healthcare. But what she received instead was a devastating timeline: a wait of six to nine months.
“She told me, ‘Well, that’s not much use to me because I’m going to be dead by then,’” recalled her cousin, Canberra resident Kaye Pritchard.
Sadly, Robin was right.
She passed away just a couple of months later without ever receiving the care she had been approved for. The support that could have helped her live her last weeks with dignity never arrived.
“Six to nine months to wait for a package for someone who is terminally ill is just not good enough,” Ms Pritchard said. “All she wanted was the peace of mind that she could die at home with the help she needed.”
The Senate Inquiry: Purpose and Scope
Senator David Pocock introduced a motion to refer the issue to a Senate inquiry, supported by the Greens and the Coalition. The inquiry aims to investigate:
- The impact of the delay on older people and their families
- Whether the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) can handle demand until November
- Effects on hospital systems and the aged care workforce
- The government’s ability to meet its 90-day wait time goal by mid‑2027
The inquiry must present its report by 15 October 2025.
Stakeholder Reactions
Crossbenchers and aged care advocates strongly push for immediate action.
- Ten independents, including Jacqui Lambie and Zali Steggall, signed a letter calling for an extra 20,000 packages from July.
- Tom Symondson of Ageing Australia warns the waitlist could surpass 100,000 without interim releases.
- Craig Gear (OPAN) says more home‑based support must start now, not later.
- Helen Haines warns that delays will harm health outcomes, leading to premature entry into residential care.
Government’s Position and Response
Minister Sam Rae reiterated that the government needs more time to prepare the sector before launching the new system on 1 November. Health Minister Mark Butler said the delay gives time to ensure older Australians understand the changes and that the new laws work smoothly. Meanwhile, critics worry the delay risks a “two‑tier system” that disadvantages lower‑income seniors who rely fully on government support.
Conclusion: What’s at Stake
The support at home aged care reform faces its first real test: how to balance sector readiness with urgent human need. Without interim action, thousands risk ending up in hospital or aged care prematurely or waiting too long at home. The Senate inquiry offers a chance to pressure the government into responding before 1 November. The outcome may shape whether Australia can meet its target of 90‑day max wait times by 2027, and whether our aged care standards remain fit for purpose.
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