Advocates warn persistent aged care failings show reforms not reaching older Australians

Australia’s aged care reforms may be gathering pace, but the same systemic issues continue to erode the rights and wellbeing of older people, according to new data from the Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN).

The latest National Aged Care Advocacy Program Presenting Issues Report (covering 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025) reveals that demand for advocacy is rising far faster than the ageing population itself. OPAN network members delivered 52,206 instances of advocacy and information support over the past year – an 18% increase on 2023–24, compared with just 3.28% growth in the aged care population.

For the fifth consecutive year, OPAN found the same core problems dominating older people’s experiences: long waits for assessments and Home Care Packages, poor communication, and limited support for decision-making. These persistent barriers, the report warns, continue to undermine older people’s rights and independence despite years of policy reform.

Systemic issues remain entrenched

Home Care Packages accounted for 42% of all advocacy cases – more than double what would be expected based on their share of the aged care population. Accessing aged care services was the next most common issue (39%), followed by concerns with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (24%) and residential aged care (22%).

Alarmingly, OPAN members also reported 3,352 cases involving abuse of older people by non–aged care workers, representing six percent of all services delivered.

“A stark reminder of how much work remains”

OPAN Chief Executive Officer Craig Gear said the findings underscored how much work is still required to uphold the rights of older Australians.

“It is deeply concerning that the same issues keep surfacing year after year,” Mr Gear said. “Older people tell us they are still waiting too long for care, not getting clear information, and being excluded from decisions that affect their lives.”

He said the report should be seen as a call to action for policymakers and providers.

“Breaches of older people’s human rights across their aged care journey continue to be a dominant theme. Day-to-day breaches show that ageist and ableist attitudes persist throughout the system, which is unfair and unjust.”

With the new Aged Care Act coming into effect on 1 November 2025, Mr Gear said the sector has a chance to “reset” its approach and ensure reforms translate into real-world change.

“The new Act is an opportune time for the government and sector to work collaboratively to improve quality of life for older Australians.”

The full Presenting Issues Report 2024–25 is available at opan.org.au/presenting-issues-2024-2025.

For information or support about aged care, contact the Older Persons Advocacy Network on 1800 700 600 or visit opan.org.au.