A Lifeline at Last: 20,000 Home Care Packages Released

In a dramatic turn of events, Health Minister Mark Butler today confirmed the release of 20,000 extra Home Care Packages for older Australians by December 31, 2025 - a decision born of mounting political pressure and heart-wrenching public stories.

Why the Release Matters

This announcement seeks to address a backlog that has grown deeply concerning. Over 121,000 Australians are still waiting for assessment, and more than 87,000 approved applicants await services - adding up to a total waitlist of over 200,000 individuals desperate for support.

The government had earlier delayed the rollout of 83,000 new Home Care Packages - originally scheduled for July’s commencement - due to transition concerns under the new Support at Home Act, now slated for November 1, 2025.

A Politically Driven Solution

This release comes after sustained pressure from the Coalition, the Greens, and independent crossbenchers - including Senator David Pocock - who threatened to block the aged care reform bill until meaningful action was taken.

The Human Cost

Stories like that of Graham Paxton - approved for support but waiting up to two years while terminally ill - brought the crisis into sharp human focus. Reports revealed heartbreakingly long waiting times, with elderly Australians like his wife waiting for essential daily care.

What This Means, and What Lies Ahead

Under today’s announcement:

20,000 extra packages will be delivered by December 31, 2025.
The remaining 23,000 (to reach the full 43,000 initially planned) will roll out in the first half of 2026.

Despite the urgent relief this provides, the system remains under intense strain. Minister Butler acknowledged the cost implications, noting these figures will be clarified in December’s fiscal outlook.

Meanwhile, the broader reform under the Support at Home program, which is aiming for a more streamlined, flexible in-home care system, remains on track to launch November 1, 2025.

Where Can I Access Home Care Packages?

Home care services are available Australia-wide, including:

Need help finding home care?

Confident choices start with our Home Care Shortlist. Take the stress out of finding support - our Home Care Shortlist makes it easy to connect with trusted providers near you. Just tell us what you need and we’ll match you with qualified local providers - saving you hours of calls and confusion.