Conversations at the Wharf

Do Aged Care operators have ambition to drive change?

In this Conversations at the Wharf panel, industry experts agree: the ambition to drive change in aged care is absolutely there but the sector is exhausted, constrained, and drowning in day-to-day pressures.

by Weekly Source

Published November 17, 2025

Panelists highlight a clear tension. On one hand, operators genuinely want to innovate, improve care, and rethink how aged care is delivered. Many are already experimenting with new models, new environments and new ways of supporting older people as demographics shift.

But on the other hand, providers are hamstrung by constant regulatory change, rising construction costs, workforce pressures and a lack of long-term policy certainty. The sector is full of capable people motivated to do better, they just need clarity, stability and room to make long-term decisions.

Experts also warn that aged care can’t transform in silos. True change requires regional planning, genuine collaboration with acute and primary healthcare, and a shift in mindset away from operating as isolated pillars.

The takeaway? The ambition is real but without space to lift their heads from the daily grind, operators will struggle to turn that ambition into sector-wide transformation. A smaller subset of providers may need to lead the charge to get things moving.

Conversation at the Wharf panel speakers: