The Australian Government is delivering more aged care beds where they are needed most, as soon as possible, ensuring older Australians can access the world-class care they deserve.
Today, we announce the results of the second of four expressions of interest (EOIs) opened by the government earlier this year through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP).
Labor’s investment of $25.9 million across six aged care homes in the Illawarra will unlock opportunities to build and open more beds where demand is most significant.
The projects include a mix of expansions to existing homes and targeted upgrades that will bring additional beds online even faster. These investments all represent strong value for money and demonstrate how targeted efforts like this can unlock projects capable of rapidly increasing the supply of high-quality care for older people.
These initiatives have a strong focus on supporting older people with higher and more complex care needs including dementia, who can often struggle to find appropriate residential aged care supports.
Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, Hon. Mark Butler MP: “The Albanese Government’s record investments to increase the supply of aged care beds in the system is delivering, and it’s fantastic this latest round of funding will mean an extra 73 beds, in the Illawarra.”
“We know the challenge we face to increase bed capacity in our health and aged care systems, and that is why we’re investing so strongly to expand supply, as quickly as possible.”
Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Hon. Sam Rae MP: “The Albanese Government is on a mission to deliver more beds, faster and in the places they are most needed – we’re delivering on this promise with more beds to be available in the Illawarra across six aged care homes.
“This announcement is yet another step in our methodical work to take pressure off state-run hospitals and move quickly to identify areas where bed capacity is most urgently needed.
“We want every older Australian in the Illawarra to access the care they need, closer to home. That’s exactly why we’re making these crucial investments to improve access as quickly as possible.
“We’ve already invested $1 billion in aged care capital through ACCAP – more than any previous government – and we’ll continue to invest in aged care supply as our population ages and demand increases.”
