Ageing Australia is calling for a reported $1.4 billion aged care funding underspend to be reinvested in services, with more than 106,000 older Australians waiting for ongoing Support at Home funding and thousands remaining in hospitals without suitable care options.
Chief executive Tom Symondson said the underspend did not reflect lower demand, arguing that allocated funding should reach people who need support.
The organisation estimates about $510 million could fund three proposed measures for residential aged care: increasing the annual Australian National Aged Care Classification funding uplift from 2.55% to 5%, raising the hotelling supplement by 3.5% and bringing forward a planned $5 increase in the accommodation supplement.
Ageing Australia estimates the remaining $900 million could fund ongoing Support at Home services for 30,000 people on the waiting list. These are proposals from the industry body, not confirmed government commitments.
The organisation also warns that more than 3,600 planned residential aged care beds have reportedly been shelved or put at risk, despite an estimated need for around 10,000 additional beds annually over the next two decades.
For older Australians and their families, the debate highlights ongoing concerns about access to home care, residential placements and timely support.