Health Minister Mark Butler announced on 3 September 2025 that the government will fast track 40,000 Home Care Packages to ease pressure on the aged care system and support older Australians to remain at home. The decision follows growing concern about long wait times for essential services.
The rollout will take place in two stages this year. 20,000 packages will be released before 31 October, with another 20,000 available between 1 November and 31 December. The remaining 43,000 packages, part of the government’s broader commitment of 83,000, are scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2026.
The announcement comes as more than 121,000 people wait for aged care assessments, while a further 90,000 have been approved but are still waiting for funding. In total, more than 200,000 Australians are currently unable to access the support they need.
Sector leaders welcomed the move, saying it would provide overdue relief for families and allow providers to expand services more quickly. Advocates have pointed out that around 5,000 older Australians died last financial year while waiting for the level of Home Care Package they had been assessed for.