As the Australian population ages, meeting demand for aged care services is proving to be an increasing challenge.
Recognising the growing problem, Western Australia’s Cook Labor government has announced a new $140 million aged care package. The move comes as the state prepares to head to the polls on the 8th of March.
So, what will the funding include, and will it have the impact the government desires?
What is the aim of the funding?
The government aims to reduce strain on hospital resources by enabling older Australians to transition more efficiently into aged care. Across the country, older Australians increasingly occupy hospital beds while they wait for aged care placements. Reducing the time older Australians spend in hospital benefits both the patient and the wider community. Not only does it improve the health outcomes for the individual, but it also alleviates pressure on the wider healthcare system.
What is included in the funding?
Low interest loan facility
The government has committed $100 million to a low-interest loan facility. This is designed to help aged care providers deliver more aged care beds across the state. The government estimates that the loans will help providers develop an additional 500 concessional aged care beds It is also designed to support the expansion and refurbishment of existing facilities.
Integrated Older Adult Care Hubs
The government will develop several older Adult care hubs. The hubs, which will be piloted in three locations, are designed to offer services for older adults with chronic and complex healthcare issues. By doing so, they aim to allow residents to receive care in the community and prevent unnecessary hospitalisations. The hubs will offer various services including:
• clinical services from GPs, geriatric specialists, physiotherapists, and psychologists
• Dementia support, including memory clinics and advanced care planning
• Assistance for families navigating aged care services.
Dementia Action Plan
If re-elected, the government will invest $1 million to launch Western Australia’s first dementia action plan. The plan will include:
• Hospital staff training in dementia care
• Public awareness campaign to support families managing dementia
• Dementia friendly designs in new hospitals
• A review of existing services to support accessibility.
Investment in First Nations Aged Care
The government has committed $5 million in grants and a $10 million low-interest loan to support the development of the Sister Kate Aged Care Facility in Queen’s Park, near the Perth CBD. The facility will provide 90 to 100 aged care beds, offering culturally sensitive aged care for Indigenous residents
What has been the reaction?
Aged care advocates have mostly welcomed the new funding. Non-for-profit Aged Care provider Juniper supported the additional funding and called on the state opposition to match the pledge.
“WA Labor’s commitment today recognises the vulnerability many older Western Australians are facing with the current housing and cost of living crisis, coupled with demand for residential aged care beds outstripping supply,” said Juniper Chief Executive Officer Russell Bricknell.
He added he was pleased to see support for additional concessional aged care beds, recognising the impact the current cost-of-living crisis is having on older Australians.
With Australia’s aged care system facing many issues, there is no silver bullet. However, initiatives that provide additional support to the sector should be welcomed.
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Article References
Clarke, A (12 February 2025) ‘Re-elected Cook WA Labor government announces $140 million aged care package‘, Inside Ageing, accessed 17 February 2025.
Lloyd Jones, K (14 February 2025) ‘WA Labor promises big-spending on aged care’, Australian Ageing Agenda, accessed 17 February 2025.