Aged care providers across the country extended their congratulations to the re-elected Government this week, celebrating the victory just weeks before the sector is set to implement landmark reforms. However, their well-wishes came with a note of caution.

In its statement on the election outcome, Ageing Australia, the peak body for aged care providers, said the transition timeframe for the reforms is a "major concern for providers".

Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said, “We fully support the introduction of the new Act and the charter of rights for older Australians, but the plain truth is providers simply won’t have enough time to implement all of the reforms by 1 July, with the real risk of creating mass confusion for older Australians and the sector as a whole.”

Catholic Health Australia congratulated Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, but said, "In aged care, the transition to the Support at Home Program requires urgent attention.

"CHA strongly supports a staged transition to the new program beginning on 1 July 2025.

"This will reduce risks to this important reform."

Anglicare Sydney CEO Simon Miller said, “We need an ongoing commitment to better care for older people.

"The Government has kicked off historic reforms to the sector, and now we need an ongoing commitment to see those reforms through."

Earlier in the week, The Weekly SOURCE wrote the Retirement Living Council had urged the re-elected Albanese Government to delay roll out of the new Aged Care Act, calling for urgent action “before it’s too late”.