Support at Home Protections Announced
The Older Person’s Advocacy Network (OPAN) has welcomed new government protections for the Support at Home programme, announced on 19th May 2026. However, OPAN warns that delays in implementing aged care pricing caps leave older Australians vulnerable to rising costs.
The new measures include increased oversight and transparency in aged care services. Samantha Edmonds, OPAN Director of Policy, Education, and Systemic Advocacy, highlighted the importance of these changes. She expressed concern about delayed pricing caps, which may continue to impact older people. “We welcome stronger oversight and transparency measures,” Ms. Edmonds stated, “but the decision to delay pricing caps means older people will continue to face uncertainty about what they will pay for essential services.”
Call for Local Pricing Transparency
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission now has increased powers, including the ability to order refunds and enhanced public reporting, which are positive steps highlighted by OPAN. Ms. Edmonds stressed the need for local pricing transparency to ensure older people can make informed decisions about care providers. “Publishing national price summaries is positive,” Ms. Edmonds said, “but older people need to be able to compare prices in their local area.” She called for additional improvements to deliver meaningful protection.
Ms. Edmonds also emphasised the importance of indexation aligned with cost pressures such as CPI to ensure the value of Support at Home packages keeps pace with rising service costs. OPAN, in collaboration with the Council on the Ageing (COTA), Ageing Australia, and the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, anticipates working with the government to define what constitutes ‘reasonable pricing’ for aged care services.
“It is essential that the reforms deliver on their promise, ensuring older people can access affordable, high-quality care at home,” Ms. Edmonds concluded. OPAN looks forward to participating in the government’s newly announced working group. This initiative aims to address the ongoing concerns regarding pricing and the need for clear, enforceable protections for older Australians.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:05 pm
