The Albanese Government is delivering more aged care beds where they are needed most, to ensure every older Australian can access the world-class aged care they deserve.

Today, Labor is announcing that the Illawarra will share in $115 million through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program (ACCAP) to rapidly increase access to residential aged care – alongside Perth, Adelaide and the Hunter.

An Expression of Interest process is encouraging interested providers to put forward proposals that will build and open more beds within two years to help address immediate delayed discharge pressures on hospitals, and deliver services that align with the National Aged Care Design Principles.

This latest injection will take funding through the ACCAP program to over $1 billion since 2022. Future ACCAP rounds will follow later this year to ensure the Government continues to kickstart projects in regional areas.   

The process will be split into two phases, with the first EOI, covering Adelaide and Illawarra, to open on Friday, 13 March and the second to focus on Perth and the Hunter to follow. Interested providers will have six weeks from opening to submit their EOI.

EOI documents, including instructions on how to participate, will be available on GrantConnect.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Health, Disability and Ageing, Mark Butler MP:

“The Albanese Government is making record investments to increase the supply of aged care beds in the system to ensure every older Australian gets the dignity of care and support they deserve.”

“We know we face a big challenge with increasing bed capacity in our health and aged care systems, and that is why we’re investing so strongly to increase supply as quickly as possible.”

“Our Government has already invested $1 billion in expanding bed capacity in the aged care system and this latest round of funding will increase supply in select hotspots like the Illawarra.”

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae MP:

“The Albanese Government is on a mission to deliver more beds, faster and in the places they are most needed – so older Australians and their loved ones have confidence that they can be cared for with dignity, when they need it.”

“We know the Illawarra needs more aged care capacity quickly – and we won’t waste a moment getting on with funding projects that can uplift supply and get more older Australians into care faster.”

“We want every older Australian to access the care they need and get it sooner and closer to home. That’s exactly what this round is aimed at doing – improving access as fast as possible.”

“We’ve already invested $1 billion in aged care capital through ACCAP – more than any previous government, and we’ll continue to invest in aged care supply as our ageing population grows.”

Quotes attributable to Alison Byrnes MP, Member for Cunningham:

“I know the significant impact the critical shortage of aged care beds is having on bed block in the Illawarra."

“That's why I have been working closely with the Minister for Aged Care, Sam Rae, and his predecessor Anika Wells, for quite some time to secure a targeted solution for our region."

“I am delighted that the Minister is targeting the Illawarra in the first tranche, recognising the importance of this issue for our community."

“I know that the local health district, as well as other providers, have projects they would like to see funded under this program, and Fiona Phillips, Carol Berry and I will be working closely with them to see these delivered as quickly as possible."

“I would like to thank NSW Health Minister and Member for Keira Ryan Park, Member for Wollongong Paul Scully and the Illawarra Aged Care Taskforce for their great collaboration and advocacy working together on this issue, which has been so important in securing our region as one of the government's top priorities when it comes to delivering more aged care beds."

“I'd also like to acknowledge the valuable advocacy work of our local providers, community groups and representatives like Val Fell who have also worked hard to keep the issues facing the Illawarra's aged care community front and centre.”

Quotes attributable to Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore:

“Gilmore has one of the largest populations of age pensioners in the country and I know our ageing population is putting more and more pressure on our local hospitals."

“I welcome this opportunity and encourage providers to submit an expression of interest."

"Ensuring our parents, grandparents and loved ones are cared for with dignity, close to home is absolutely essential.”

Quotes attributable to Carol Berry MP, Member for Whitlam:

“More aged care beds are urgently needed in the Illawarra. As a member of the Aged Care Taskforce here in the Illawarra, I am proud that this announcement represents an important step forward. This will help to relieve the pressure for older people, hospitals, families, and frontline workers.”

“This is a timely response to an important issue affecting people across the Illawarra and my wider electorate. We are listening to the frontline workers and community organisations who are passionate about securing the best possible care for our community."

“I look forward to working with local providers, the Local Health District, Alison Byrnes and Fiona Phillips to see this funding delivered.”