Has Labor delivered on its ambitious vision for aged care in its first year of Government?

We reached out to leaders of the nation’s largest aged care providers to find out what they think about Labor’s first year – consumer contributions and extending the pay rise to all workers are at the top of wish lists.

Sandra Hills OAM, CEO at Victorian provider Benetas – consumer contributions for those who can afford it

Sandra said they have welcomed the Government’s “focus on the sector and its intention to address the challenges facing aged care.”

She said there is an opportunity for “greater collaboration” that “leverages the expertise of providers” and would like to see greater focus on the consumer experience.

She would like the 15% pay rise be extended to other workers “who are vital to aged care services” and believes the Government should give more “consideration of consumer co-contributions for those who can afford it.”

Charles Moore, CEO at BaptistCare NSW & ACT – continue to build “trust”

Charles said we are in a “transformational” period for aged care.

“We are optimistic the sector is moving in the right direction and are pleased that after decades of effectively being forgotten and underfunded, this government is engaging, listening, and indicating a willingness to co-design solutions in an endeavour to ensure high-quality care can be delivered sustainably.”



He hopes the emerging “partnership model” continues – “to develop to ensure that trust between government, operators and most importantly the community is re-established.”

Charles also would like to see the pay rise extended to all aged care workers. He would like to see that “all aged care employees are appropriately rewarded and recognised, leaving no one behind”.

Like Sandra, he would like to see the government consider consumer contributions. He’d like to see the Government consider "a sustainable funding model that reduces the burden on the taxpayer”.

"The development of a more efficient and effective disclosure and benchmarking regime [could also give] the sector an opportunity to learn from shared insights.”

Graeme Croft, Executive Director of Signature Care – a work in progress

Signature Care Director Graeme Croft says aged care is still “a work in progress” for the Government.

“The promised 24-hour RN cover is unlikely to be achieved,” Graeme said.

“Promised increased RN hours per resident are unlikely to be achieved from 1 October 2023 due to the RN shortage.

"ENs, particularly medication endorsed ENs, must be included in RN numbers.”

Labor promised to support the wage increase for aged care staff, but providers “won’t know details of the funding support until 1 July.”  

AN-ACC means “less funding for residents who are mobile”. As a result, Graeme says aged care homes will see a “reduction in funding for residents with dementia who are mobile but require constant staff supervision”.

“Some RACFs will close memory support units or dementia wings,” he predicted.

“The abolition of Aged Care Approvals Rounds is likely to see providers build RACFs in high wealth areas only, leaving lower socio-economic areas and regional areas without new RACFs.

“The issue of RAD retentions needs to be reintroduced following Morrison discontinuing Accommodation Bond Retentions – a retrograde move as these funds were used for ongoing upgrading of facilities,” Graeme concluded.

Simon Miller, CEO, Anglicare Sydney

Simon said he is “encouraged and heartened by the refreshing approach from the new Government - taking aged care seriously, willing to engage providers and tap into our expertise and perspective.”



“It appears to be a genuine desire to actually fix things rather than paper over the cracks,” he said.

“There is a newfound openness from the Minister’s office and the Department for sensible reform. The historic investment in workforce was hard-fought and welcomed.”