Australia Delays Release of 83,000 Home Care Packages, Extends Waiting Lists to 9–12 Months

Federal Aged Care Minister Sam Rae has faced intense scrutiny and criticism in parliament for delaying the release of 83,000 new home care packages from July 1 to November 1, despite growing demand among older Australians. More than 289,000 older Australians currently have home care packages, but the waiting list continues to increase as more people require these services than available places. The Senate initiated a short inquiry in response to widespread complaints, with aged care executives and advocates highlighting the significant negative impacts of the delay on older people's health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Opposition parties and the Greens have pushed for legislation to compel the government to release additional packages immediately, arguing that providers have the capacity to deliver more care, but are being held back by government inaction. Minister Rae maintains he consulted widely and was advised to defer the aged care reforms, though critics dispute this, noting that providers have expressed readiness to proceed. Overall, the delay exacerbates wait times, places additional burdens on carers and the broader health system, and runs counter to recommendations from the 2021 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety advocating for increased home care support to allow seniors to remain at home longer.