Australia’s aged care reforms criticised for delays and complexity

Inspector‑General of Aged Care Natalie Siegel‑Brown warned that the rollout of Australia’s new Aged Care Act is causing harm. She said long wait times, complex processes and co‑payments are discouraging older Australians from accessing support early, leading to accelerated decline and higher future costs. Siegel‑Brown argued the system focuses on crisis management rather than prevention, despite the $40 billion already spent on aged‑care services.

A survey of frontline providers found 94 % believed outcomes under the new Support at Home program were worse than under the previous Home Care Packages. Respondents cited higher out‑of‑pocket expenses, increased administrative burden, funding delays and reduced flexibility for families. Individual cases, such as a Townsville man left without shower assistance and a family awaiting essential equipment for a terminally ill father, illustrate the broader concerns.

Both officials and providers call for reforms that prioritize early intervention, reduce bureaucratic hurdles and deliver value rather than simply more funding.