By Joseph Ferrer, SSDO
On September 3, 2025, the Australian Government announced the release of 20,000 additional Home Care Packages to be made available before November 1, 2025. This decision came in response to increasing political and public pressure to address the growing backlog in aged care support services.
The announcement is part of a broader plan to roll out 83,000 new packages during the 2025–26 financial year. Following the initial 20,000 packages, another 20,000 will be released between November and December 2025, with the remaining 43,000 scheduled for the first half of 2026.
This move followed a Senate defeat for the government, where an amendment by Independent Senator David Pocock, calling for the immediate release of packages, was passed. In response, Health Minister Mark Butler and Aged Care Minister Sam Rae confirmed the accelerated rollout to ensure the Support at Home program and the new Aged Care Act can commence as planned on November 1, 2025.
The announcement was welcomed by aged care providers and advocacy groups. Currently, over 120,000 people are waiting for aged care assessments, and more than 108,000 have been approved but are still waiting to receive a package. The government’s decision is seen as a significant step toward reducing these wait times and improving access to essential care services.
In light of this announcement, ISV is inviting CHSP providers who are currently managing aged care packages (or are interested in doing so) to share their experiences. ISV is particularly keen to hear about the challenges providers face in transitioning to or expanding into package management, including workforce, funding, and administrative hurdles.
This feedback will help develop support mechanisms as the sector prepares for the rollout of the Support at Home program.
Please send us an email, ssdo@innersydneyvoice.org.au or call Joseph Ferrer – Mob 0418 418 634.