Federal Budget 2022-23: Aged Care

The federal government has tonight announced a major overhaul to help improve Australia’s aged care sector. A $3.9 billion investment into the industry over the next four years will aim to increase care minutes in residential aged care, help build a qualified aged care workforce and protect our seniors from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The recent aged care reforms are reflected heavily in this Budget, responding directly to the 23 recommendations of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

2022 Budget for Aged Care: Key Points

• From 1 July 2023 all residential aged care homes will be required to have a Registered Nurse on-site 24/7
• Mandatory care time requirements to increase to 215 minutes from 1 October 2024
• The Maggie Beer Foundation will be engaged to train aged care staff on how to source, prepare and serve more nutritious and appetizing food
• Establishment of an Aged Care Complaints Commissioner and an Inspector-General of Aged Care
• Reforms to in-home care to begin from 1 July 2024
• Price caps for administration and management charges from home care providers

Funding Details: an Overview

• $2.5 billion for 24/7 nurses and 215 care minutes in residential aged care (over the next four years)
• $23.1 million into research and consultation for reforms to in-home care
• $9.9 million towards the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner
• $5 million for better food for aged care residents
• $26.1 million to support aged care homes caring for First Nations people from diverse communities and regional areas