The Department of Health and Aged Care has extended its deal with digital consultancy iLiquid Pty Ltd to “operate and enhance” the My Aged Care website for a further six months, adding $2.7 million and taking the total contract value to $30.6 million.

The Fortitude Valley-based firm, founded and chaired by Michael Burke, has now seen the contract extended 16 times – equating to roughly $30,000 a day over its four-year life.

My Aged Care is not without controversy.

In April 2024, then Acting Inspector-General of Aged Care Ian Yates AM launched a review into how effectively My Aged Care helps older Australians access services – the first use of the office’s powers to examine a Government entity. The report, which was due by end of 2024, is expected imminently.

The Department’s 2023-24 Annual Report shows only 56% of surveyed users were satisfied with the website, below the Department’s target. A Government assessment of the Care Finder Program also identified gaps in information and inaccuracies on service availability.

This week, we also reported a case where a home’s Compliance Star Rating on My Aged Care still displays data dated 2022.