Delays in accessing aged care, disability support and other public services can create costs well beyond the government budget, with families, carers, hospitals and review systems often absorbing the impact.
Productivity Commission data shows the median wait from approval to commencement of a Home Care Package was 245 days in 2024–25, while those at the 90th percentile waited 366 days. During this time, older people and their carers may need to manage changing circumstances, follow up assessments and navigate additional administrative processes.
The administrative burden can also be significant. The Australian National Audit Office found that between 2021 and 2024, the average daily wait on the Older Australians phone line was below 15 minutes on fewer than 10 per cent of operating days, while the maximum wait exceeded an hour on more than half of days.
These delays can shift costs rather than eliminate them. A family member may reduce work to provide care, a person may require hospital treatment after their needs worsen, or additional government resources may be required to resolve complaints and reviews.
The issue highlights the importance of considering the full cost of waiting, not just the immediate cost of providing support.
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