One of the major changes in the Aged Care industry is the use of the Integrated Assessment Tool (IAT), which replaced the National Screening and Assessment Form. This tool is said to improve aged care assessments but many have criticised it, including Penny Allman-Payne, Greens Spokesperson for Older People. She says it is “systematically underassessing older people” and causing older people to be denied the care they need, due to the “broken” tool.
When the Aged Care Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 was passed, it included an amendment that introduces a rapid review pathway for those with disputed IAT outcomes.
Same Rae, the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, released a statement that addresses feedback on the IAT, as well as the Support at Home program. An independent review for IAT will be commissioned by the government. It is expected that the review will be published in the first half of 2027. Aside from an independent reviewer, the government will also convene an expert advisory group that will include experts in linguistic and cultural diversity, allied health, dementia care, First Nation’s health, and geriatric medicine, plus aged care providers, advocates, unions, and assessment organisations.