As part of a $3.9 billion (A$5.6 billion) reform package, the Australian government announced a $620 million (A$900 million) investment for remote, rural, and specialized aged care facilities.

Support at Home will receive $413.3 million (A$600 million) of the overall funds. The goal of this project is to improve the standard of care provided to elderly Australians who reside in less accessible places. It also emphasizes how committed the government is to making sure that all seniors, wherever they may be, have enough assistance. 

Applications for a two-year thin market grant will be accepted from qualified support at home providers starting on July 1, 2025. The goal of these subsidies is to guarantee service continuity, especially for people from different backgrounds and in isolated or rural locations. The government intends to draw more suppliers to these underprivileged areas by concentrating on thin marketplaces. This approach not only stimulates competition but also enriches the diversity of services offered to older Australians.

Building on this, the Aged Care Capital Assistance Programme (ACCAP) will continue to allocate the remaining $207 million (A$300 million) towards infrastructure.

The primary objective of the ACCAP funding is to enhance existing facilities and build new residences or staff housing in regions with restricted access to aged care services or manpower shortages. This investment is essential to solving the urgent problem of labor shortages and improving the standard of care for the elderly. The ultimate goal of these initiatives is to develop an aged care system that is more accessible, sustainable, and fits the requirements of every Australian.