Feedback from local government aged care providers

Local government representatives discussing aged care services

Earlier this year, over 200 participants from local government aged care providers and sector peak bodies shared their views on aged care changes.

Thank you to everyone who participated.

What we heard

Local government aged care providers told us they:

  • have stable and experienced workforces and many volunteers
  • often serve as a provider of last resort in rural and remote areas or for people with complex needs​
  • help older people to understand the aged care system, including referrals to other support services and programs
  • have strong relationships and knowledge within their communities.

Providers raised concerns about:

  • providing aged care services with different funding arrangements, and the setting and collecting of participant contributions
  • increased costs and resources to deliver services in rural and remote areas and for people with complex needs
  • meeting community expectations to help older people navigate the aged care system and access support
  • balancing local council governance and community consultation requirements, with the operational and business requirements to deliver aged care services
  • attracting and retaining staff in rural and remote areas, the cost of training and registering volunteers, and offering competitive employee wages
  • understanding the transition to the new aged care system and changes to provider obligations and funding.

What we're doing

We are considering all feedback for future policy decisions.

If you would like to provide any further feedback on the delivery of aged care services by local governments, please contact us at AgedCareMarket@health.gov.au.


Let's change aged care, together

Every Australian should feel confident about accessing high quality and safe aged care, when and where they need it.

The changes mean Older people will have greater choice and control, services that respect and meet their needs, and support to stay independent as they age.

To find out more and help design the changes, visit the Get Involved page or call 1800 318 209.

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The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.

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