Older Australians have voiced concerns about the new rights-based Aged Care Act, due to come into effect on 1 November, during a meeting in Melbourne attended by Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae.
The forum brought together people with direct experience of aged care, including members of the National Older Persons Reference Group, representatives from COTA Australia, and the Council of Elders, who used the opportunity to speak about issues ranging from affordability to access in remote areas.
“Forums like this are a great opportunity for honest dialogue between older people, their advocates and government,” Minister Rae said. “The feedback I heard today reinforces the urgency of the Australian Government’s aged care reform agenda.”
He described the new legislation as “a significant step forward in transforming aged care to create a system that has older people and their rights and dignity at its core,” and thanked participants for their input.
Discussion during the meeting covered a wide range of concerns. Among them were growing costs for older people living outside major cities, inflexible service delivery models, and the lack of affordable, reliable transport.
Helen Walne, who receives a Home Care Package, pointed to prohibitive travel expenses in rural and regional areas. “The $140 cost of visiting a health care clinic has led me to cancel therapy treatment, resulting in hospital admissions due to diminished health,” she said.
Several speakers raised questions about the Support at Home program, a new model for in-home services, and whether it would genuinely offer choice and equity. “We’re concerned about equity, accessibility and affordability under the new Support at Home program,” said reference group member Robin Vote. “And what about choice?”
Lesley Forster warned that the financial structure of aged care might leave the most vulnerable with unmanageable costs. “The more services you use, the more you have to pay, so the risk is the neediest people on the highest level packages may have to pay more than they can afford.”
From Perth, Frank Smith flagged frustration with rigid guidelines. “They leave no choice to the individual. No welfare payment is more strongly controlled,” he said.
President of the National Older Women’s Network, Beverly Baker, stressed that strong legal protections were still missing. “Without a national Human Rights Act, without the underpinning legislation, the Act is just nice words,” she said.
While acknowledging the unease expressed by many in the room, OPAN CEO Craig Gear maintained that the new legislation still represents a meaningful step forward.
“It’s not the end of the journey but a starting point for the cultural change that has to happen in aged care. Reform will be ongoing,” he said.
Mr Gear also spoke about the recently introduced Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which allows the Minister to adjust the Rules as the system develops, subject to parliamentary oversight. He welcomed this flexibility, particularly in light of the scale of the changes being undertaken.
Looking ahead, OPAN plans to focus on several areas over the next three months, including the need for a more responsive assessment process, a better system for releasing home care packages, and improved access to services for people in rural and remote communities. Transport was again a priority, with calls for accessible community options.
Mr Gear also said he expected more detail soon on a streamlined hardship application system that would allow pensioners to have fees waived without long delays. “We continue to advocate for a rapid approval process that is completed within 28 days and for fees to be waivered while the application is being considered. Older people with limited means have the same right to quality aged care as anyone else,” he said.
While the government described the meeting as a constructive step, the message from attendees was clear: reforms are needed, but they must not come at the cost of fairness, access or dignity.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
