Bill Debate · Second Reading

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

Senate · Wednesday 3 September 2025

Continued from Tuesday 2 September 2025.

Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia

At a glance

The Senate debated two bills amending aged care legislation to facilitate the commencement of the Aged Care Act 2024 on 1 November 2025. The Australian Greens supported the technical changes but opposed the bills due to concerns about fees and the failure to prevent young disabled people from entering residential aged care. The Liberal Party supported the bills but criticised the government for delaying implementation and failing to deliver promised home care packages. Labor senators defended the reforms as necessary to address systemic neglect and improve workforce conditions. The Greens moved amendments highlighting the waitlist crisis and the presence of under-65s in aged care, which were defeated.

Outcome

The Greens' amendments were not passed, with divisions resulting in votes of 26-32, 23-33, and 12-29 against them, while one division passed 33-22.

Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.

How the debate unfolded

Continued the debate

Jordon Steele-John (WA) (Australian Greens) Greens

Steele-John argued that the bill prioritised provider interests over older people's rights and failed to close loopholes allowing young disabled people to enter residential aged care. Steele-John criticised the rushed legislative process and the government's refusal to act on Royal Commission recommendations regarding the exclusion of under-65s from aged care facilities. Steele-John highlighted that 959 people under 65 remained in residential aged care as of March 2025, describing this as a failure of government services. Steele-John also noted the bill removed caps on cleaning and gardening services but warned it could enable unnecessary fees. Steele-John foreshadowed amendments to address these issues and called for the removal of the NDIS age limit.

Opposition response

Jessica Collins (NSW) (Liberal Party) Liberal

Collins stated the coalition supported the bill subject to amendments, arguing it was essential to deliver the Aged Care Act 2024. Collins claimed the government had previously blocked coalition amendments that would have allowed earlier implementation, causing unnecessary delays for seniors. Collins highlighted long wait times for home care packages and assessments, citing cases where individuals deteriorated or died while waiting. Collins argued the government had broken promises regarding the release of 83,000 additional packages and lacked transparency with providers about transition rules. Collins emphasised the need for urgent action to address the backlog and support rural and regional communities.

Michelle Ananda-Rajah (VIC) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Ananda-Rajah described the reforms as a historic overhaul addressing systemic neglect identified by the Royal Commission. Ananda-Rajah highlighted investments in the aged care workforce, including wage rises and mandatory 24/7 nursing, which improved staff retention and care quality. Ananda-Rajah argued the new Support at Home program would provide 83,000 additional packages to help older Australians remain independent. Ananda-Rajah refuted claims of co-design failure, stating the process involved stakeholders and prioritised the rights and preferences of older people.
Carol Brown (TAS) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Brown explained that the bills made technical and transitional changes to ensure the new rights-based system commenced smoothly on 1 November 2025. Brown noted provisions to protect unspent funds, allow interim packages, and remove caps on cleaning and gardening services. Brown highlighted that the companion bill protected accommodation payments and that the reforms included regular reviews of quality standards. Brown emphasised that the changes aimed to provide clearer information for families and strengthen regulatory accountability.
Dorinda Cox (WA) (Australian Labor Party) ALP support

Cox thanked the minister and committee for their work, noting the bills addressed systemic issues highlighted by the Royal Commission. Cox argued the reforms shifted focus from funding requirements to genuine care and dignity for older Australians. Cox highlighted the importance of supporting the aged care workforce and ensuring provider accountability. Cox stated that the Senate committee recommended passing the bills without delay to ensure timely delivery of quality care.
Steph Hodgins-May (VIC) (Australian Greens) Greens oppose

Hodgins-May moved second reading amendments noting the government's delay in commencing the Support at Home program and withholding additional home care packages. The amendments highlighted that over 87,000 people were waiting for packages and called for urgent releases and a universal, needs-based system. Another amendment noted the retention of pathways for under-65s in residential aged care despite Royal Commission recommendations. Hodgins-May called on the government to ensure no disabled person under 65 remained in residential aged care.

Votes during this debate

First speaker today

Jordon Steele-John (WA) (Australian Greens)

Greens

Bills

Aged Care (Accommodation Payment Security) Levy Amendment Bill 2025

Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025

Speeches

8 speeches, 4 other contributors

Topics

Aged Care

Debate Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Consideration of Senate Message Bill Debate, 4 Sep 2025 · Same bill
Debate Aged Care and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025; Third Reading Bill Debate, 4 Sep 2025 · Same bill
Debate Aged Care General Debate, 18 Aug 2026 · Shared topic: Aged Care
Debate Aged Care Amendment (Restoring Human Override for Aged Care Needs Assessments) Bill 2026; First Reading Bill Debate, 11 Aug 2026 · Shared topic: Aged Care
Question Time House Question Time 2 Jul 2026 · Shared topic: Aged Care

About Senate debates

The Senate debates bills, motions, matters of public importance and the answers given in Question Time. Senators from all parties and the crossbench take part, and a minister or the minister representing them usually replies for the government. Summaries are in reported speech, not transcripts; always check the official record before quoting.