Increased investment Needed in Older Australians and Aged Care

While the Morrison Government has reported record investment of more than $2.7 billion to drive aged care reform and ensure the needs of senior Australians are prioritised, is it enough?

In a media release on the 8th October the Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the 2020-21 Budget showcased the Morrison Government’s determination to strengthen our aged care system and keep our loved ones safe.

“A $1.6 billion investment into home care packages is the centrepiece of this year’s funding for senior Australians, as the Federal Government continues to respond to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.”

“Funding for aged care has grown from $13 billion in 2012–13 to nearly $24 billion this year, and will reach over $27 billion by 2023–24 representing an increase by $8 billion over the forward estimates compared to last year’s Budget.”

With 23,000 additional home care packages – the largest allocation to date - and 6,105 packages announced in July 2020 at a cost of $325.7 million this takes Government investment to almost 30,000 packages, valued at more than $1.9 billion, to be delivered in 2020.

The additional places will continue to drive down the number of people in the Home Care National Prioritisation System following a 20 per cent decrease in the year to March 2020. These packages offer choice for some people who are seeking support in the home, but is it enough?

The 2020-21 Budget also includes the provision of $408.5 million for initiatives including:

 

  • Dementia training and support ($11.3m)
  • Implementation of the aged care workforce strategy ($10.3m)
  • Keeping young people out of residential aged care ($10.6m)
  • Preparatory work for a new funding model to support better care ($91.6m)
  • Support for the Royal Commission ($4.1m)
  • Support through the Business Improvement Fund ($35.6m)
  • Commonwealth Disability Support for Older Australians ($125.3m)
  • Investment in the Serious Incident Response Scheme ($29.8m); and
  • Developing the single in home support program for older people at home ($4.6m).

 

As a leading provider of staff in the aged care and community care sector, I welcome the focus on the delivery of a more personalised aged care sector, with the investment by the Morrison Government of $10.8 million to attract and enhance the skills and leadership qualities of aged care nurses.

While I agree with the sentiment of Minister Colbeck who said “A strong aged care sector, with a high quality and skilled workforce will provide older Australians with the care they rightly deserve and give all Australians confidence that our elderly are cared for with kindness, respect and dignity,” is this investment enough?

In a media release on 27 Oct 2020, Aged and Community Services Australia CEO Patricia Sparrow said StewartBrown’s A   ged Care Financial Performance Survey and Home care package data recently released delivered a wake up call that greater investment is needed to ensure older Australians get the services they need when they need them. 

She states “While Government has committed to more home care packages, an additional 30,000 in the past budget, and provided some additional funding to support COVID related costs, this still does not bridge the gap.”

“The performance survey reveals we have an increasing number of facilities now at 64% - rising to a massive 78% in rural and remote areas - operating at a loss, with increasing costs from COVID and no respite in sight,” she said.

“This is not a few inefficient providers running into trouble, this is a systemic issue of underfunding and must be urgently addressed.”

“Urgent action is needed on both fronts. Without action the gap between the cost of quality care and funding will grow.”

“The Royal Commission final report, due early next year, provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity for big picture reform for the sector, rather than ongoing band-aid solutions, but actions should begin right now.

“For many people, the COVID-19 situation has led to job losses or changes and maybe considering new career options. The aged care workforce needs to triple by 2050 and we need even more workers immediately to help the sector care for older Australians.

“Employing more people, contributing to the country’s economic recovery and supporting older Australians has the potential to be a truly wonderful combination,” she said.

As we plan for 2021 we’ll continue our commitment to providing qualified staff for the aged care sector and welcome any additional investment to help bridge this gap.

Sources: 

A Successful Day at the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026

September 28, 2026
What a day! Thank you, Shoalhaven! 💙 Health Staff Australia was proud to be part of the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026, joining the community for a wonderful day focused on connection, inclusion, support and celebrating people of all abilities. With 97 stallholders coming together under one roof, the Expo provided an incredible opportunity for individuals, families, carers and community members to discover services, ask questions, share experiences and connect with organisations that can make a meaningful difference. Connecting with the Community Our Health Staff Australia team was there with our very own stand and table, and we were delighted to welcome so many people throughout the day. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our stand, took the time to chat with our team, asked questions and took our details. We loved meeting members of the Shoalhaven community and having the opportunity to introduce Health Staff Australia and the services and support we provide. "The conversations, connections and genuine interest we received made the day a real success for our team."

Health Staff Australia Is Excited to Return to the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026

September 4, 2026
Health Staff Australia is excited to be attending the Shoalhaven Disability Expo 2026 once again as a supplier and exhibitor! Having attended in previous years, we know just how valuable this event is for bringing together people with disability, families, carers, support workers, health professionals, community organisations and service providers. Each year has provided us with a fantastic opportunity to meet new people, have meaningful conversations and connect with the Shoalhaven community. We’re looking forward to being back at Bomaderry on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, and we can’t wait to see both familiar faces and plenty of new ones. Come and Meet the Health Staff Australia Team Health Staff Australia will have a dedicated table at the Expo, and we’d love for you to come and introduce yourself! For our team, attending events like the Shoalhaven Disability Expo is about much more than simply being there as an exhibitor. It gives us the opportunity to connect with people directly, understand the needs of the community, answer questions and introduce people to the services and support we provide. Our previous experiences at the Expo have been incredibly positive. We’ve enjoyed meeting individuals and families, connecting with other service providers and professionals, and building relationships within the local community. These face-to-face conversations are an important part of what we do, and we’re excited to continue building on those connections this year. Whether you’re already familiar with Health Staff Australia or are discovering us for the first time, come and have a chat with our team. We’re always happy to answer questions, share information and talk about how our services may be able to support individuals, families and organisations. Discover Services, Support and Opportunities The Shoalhaven Disability Expo brings more than 90 exhibitors together under one roof, making it an excellent opportunity to discover the range of services and resources available throughout the Shoalhaven and surrounding communities.

More Than a House: How Supported Independent Living Creates a Place to Thrive

July 28, 2026
For many people, home is much more than four walls and a roof. It's where routines are formed, confidence grows, friendships develop and life's everyday moments happen. For people living with disability, having the right home environment can make a significant difference to their independence, wellbeing and quality of life. That's where Supported Independent Living (SIL) comes in. Designed for NDIS participants who require support with everyday living, Supported Independent Living offers more than just accommodation. It provides a safe, supportive environment where people can develop practical life skills, work towards their personal goals and enjoy greater independence while receiving the level of support they need. Rather than focusing on what someone can't do, SIL focuses on what they can achieve with the right support beside them. A Home That Supports Independence Moving into a Supported Independent Living home is often a significant milestone. It represents the opportunity to gain greater independence while maintaining the reassurance of having experienced support workers available when needed. Every participant has unique goals, abilities and aspirations. Some may be working towards managing daily household tasks independently, while others may be focused on increasing community participation, building confidence or developing stronger social connections. SIL is designed to support these individual journeys, recognising that independence looks different for everyone. The beauty of Supported Independent Living is that support is personalised. Participants receive assistance that encourages them to do as much as they can for themselves while providing help where it is needed, creating the perfect balance between independence and support. Everyday Skills That Build Confidence Many of the skills we use every day are things we often take for granted. Preparing meals, doing laundry, shopping for groceries, managing appointments or keeping a home organised all contribute to living independently. Within a Supported Independent Living environment, these everyday activities become opportunities for learning, growth and achievement. Participants are encouraged to build practical life skills such as: Preparing healthy meals Shopping and budgeting Household cleaning and organisation Personal care routines Time management Using public transport Managing appointments Developing communication and social skills Every new skill learned contributes to greater confidence. Often, it's the small achievements that create the biggest sense of accomplishment, helping participants feel more capable and empowered in their daily lives. More Than Support—A Sense of Belonging One of the greatest benefits of Supported Independent Living is the sense of belonging it can provide. Living alongside others creates opportunities to form genuine friendships, share experiences and enjoy everyday moments together. Whether it's cooking dinner, celebrating birthdays, watching a favourite movie or heading out into the community, these shared experiences help reduce isolation and foster meaningful connections.  Feeling part of a household can have a positive impact on emotional wellbeing, helping participants build confidence not only within their home but also in their wider community.