Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians, Richard Colbeck, said the 2020-21 Budget showcased the Australian 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.
“The Australian Government is listening, acting and working to ensure older Australians are kept safe and quality of care is retained,” Minister Colbeck said.
“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.”
A record 23,000 additional home care packages – the largest allocation to date – will all be delivered at a cost of $1.6 billion this financial year.
This is on top of the 6,105 packages announced in July 2020 at a cost of $325.7 million.
It 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.
The number of people receiving a home care package for the same period increased by 38 per cent and the latest commitment will ensure faster access for those who need it most.
