Australia invests $620m in rural, remote, and specialist aged care

The funding will support service continuity and infrastructure improvements.

The Australian government has announced a $620m (A$900m) investment for rural, remote, and specialist aged care services as part of a $3.9b (A$5.6b) reform package.

Of the total funding, $413.3m (A$600m) will be allocated to the Support at Home programme. 

Eligible Support at Home providers will be able to apply for a two-year thin market grant, with funding available from 1 July 2025. These grants aim to ensure service continuity, particularly in rural or remote areas, and for individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Building on this, the remaining $207m (A$300m) will be directed towards infrastructure through the ongoing Aged Care Capital Assistance Programme (ACCAP).

The ACCAP grants will focus on improving facilities and constructing new homes or staff accommodation in areas with limited access to aged care services or workforce challenges.

A$1 = $0.69