Will the Coalition’s aged care waitlist pledge hold up?
As the election approaches, older Australians need more than just promises; they need a care system that works when they need it.
![<p>For some, the election promise could have a game-changing impact on their aged care experience. [Source: Svetlanais via iStock]</p>](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/Svetlanais__2904.jpg?fm=pjpg&format=auto&w=550&q=65)
For some, the election promise could have a game-changing impact on their aged care experience. [Source: Svetlanais via iStock]
Australia’s aged-care system is facing a critical moment as the 2025 Federal Election approaches.
The Liberal-National Coalition has pledged to eliminate the waitlist for home care, a commitment announced by Anne Ruston, the Opposition health and aged-care spokeswoman, at the National Support at Home Conference.
Currently, 83,000 older Australians are on the waitlist, with some waiting up to 15 months for approved packages.
This promise raises important questions about how it compares to Labor’s proposed reforms and whether either party can deliver on their commitments within the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety’s framework. The discussion will focus on these commitments, ongoing challenges and potential solutions for the aged-care system.
A waitlist crisis in focus
The Coalition claims home care waitlists have nearly tripled under Labor, rising from under 30,000 to 83,000 in two years. This increase shows a significant crisis, as these elderly Australians need help to remain independent but face delays. Senator Ruston promises to eliminate the waitlist, responding to a Royal Commission recommendation for more Home Care Packages. However, reaching ‘zero’ wait times will require more funding and providers.
Labor disputes this, with Aged Care Minister Anika Wells defending their $3.6 billion dollar investment to increase the number of available packages. However, wait times for higher-level packages still average four to 15 months, indicating ongoing delays.
Labor’s reforms: progress or overreach?
Labor’s aged-care policies, introduced under the Aged Care Act 2024, aim to make significant improvements on the existing Aged Care Act 1997.
Starting on July 1, 2025, the act will create a system focused on rights, launch a new Support at Home Program and require transparency measures, like Star Ratings.
These steps follow 58 recommendations from the Royal Commission and highlight the importance of dignity and choice for seniors.
The Support at Home Program, which combines Home Care Packages and other services, is expected to help 1.5 million Australians by 2027, an increase from the earlier estimate of 1.4 million. However, providers have raised concerns about the challenges of implementing these changes.
Critics, including Invox’s Chief Executive Roland Naufal, described the rollout as ‘confusing’ and ‘overwhelming.’ He suggested delaying the program by six to 12 months to improve its foundation.
The Coalition has echoed these concerns, with Senator Ruston focusing on fixing waitlists instead of Labor’s deadlines.
Despite this, Labor’s reforms tackle larger problems, such as malnutrition affecting 68 percent of residents in aged care and staffing shortages. They include requirements for 24/7 registered nurse coverage and stronger Quality Standards — areas the Coalition’s proposals often overlook.
The Royal Commission’s roadmap
The Royal Commission made 148 recommendations for reform, which are still the best guidelines we have.
Besides Recommendation 25, the Commission called for a simpler assessment process (Recommendation 28) to help people access services more easily and for more funding through the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority.
Labor’s new law and assessment changes partly address these issues, but waitlists continue because of staff shortages and provider limitations, which the Commission highlighted as critical problems.
The Coalition focuses mainly on waitlists, but this might ignore these deeper issues. On the other hand, Labor’s broader approach might slow down immediate help for those on the waiting list.
A path forward for aged care
Both parties recognise the problems in aged care, but they have different solutions. The Coalition promises a ‘zero waitlist,’ which appeals to families tired of waiting. However, this promise does not come with clear costs or a plan for workforce needs, similar to unfulfilled promises from the Morrison government.
In contrast, Labor’s proposed reforms are ambitious but complicated, raising concerns from providers about their readiness. The Royal Commission states that real change needs enough funding, staff and good management, not just promises.
For readers of Talking Aged Care, the choice depends on trust and details. The Coalition must explain how it will increase the availability of HCPs and providers, while Labor needs to show that its reforms can handle pressure.
What do you think of the campaign promises made ahead of the Federal Election? Don’t forget to vote on or by May 3, 2025 and subscribe to the newsletter for more information, news and industry updates!
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