Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025; Second Reading

Allman-Payne welcomed technical changes but argued the bills failed to address the financialisation of care and risks to vulnerable older people. Allman-Payne raised concerns about cancellation policies that could charge fees for unavoidable circumstances and the lack of scrutiny over ministerial rulemaking powers. Allman-Payne criticised the government for withholding home-care packages and delaying the Support at Home program, noting over 200,000 people were waiting for assessments or care. Allman-Payne argued the reforms did not prevent a future crisis and called for a universal, needs-based system.

Askew described the bill as a repair of rushed legislation that lacked proper consultation and transparency. Askew noted that key stakeholders were excluded from public hearings and that the government admitted legislative changes were needed as early as January. Askew highlighted the Coalition's role in securing grandfathering arrangements, lower taper rates, and the removal of caps on essential services. Askew foreshadowed an amendment requiring the government to publish the Support at Home release plan and register aged care rules upon royal assent.

Pocock acknowledged the government's efforts to overhaul the system but criticised the lack of honesty regarding delays and the impact on families. Pocock shared personal stories from constituents waiting for assessments and care packages, highlighting the strain on caregivers. Pocock argued that the government could release 20,000 additional home-care packages immediately, as confirmed by departmental modelling and sector capacity. Pocock foreshadowed an amendment to mandate the release of these packages to address the urgent need.

Liddle argued the bills were necessary due to Labor's mismanagement and failure to prepare for the July 2025 implementation date. Liddle stated the Coalition had previously moved amendments to ensure transitional flexibility, which the government rejected, leading to current delays. Liddle highlighted the severe impact on South Australia, citing long wait times for aged care beds and hospital bed blockages. Liddle emphasised that the bill protected existing arrangements through grandfathering and removed unfair caps on services.