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2025 federal election

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The aged care sector is undergoing significant transformation to better meet the needs of older Australians now and into the future.

The next 12 months will be critical, with major reforms underway – including the introduction of the new Aged Care Act, the Support at Home program, and substantial regulatory changes.

These changes come at a time when there are critical workforce shortages, and many providers are struggling to keep their doors open.

This 2025 federal election, we are calling on all sides of politics to prioritise aged care in the next term of Parliament to ensure older Australians receive the care they need, where they want it and when they need it.

This includes addressing the workforce crisis, supporting sector transition and improving access to aged care.

Ageing Australia 2025 federal election pamphlet

Make your voice heard this election! This pamphlet highlights the key priorities for aged care providers to discuss with their local MPs and candidates. Download and print your copy today and help advocate for positive change.

Download pamphlet
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Ageing Australia State of the Sector report 2025
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Ageing Australia Pre-Budget Submission 2025-26

Addressing the workforce crisisSupporting sector transitionImproving access to aged care
We are calling on the government to design sustainable aged care workforce solutions that:We are calling for support on the transition to the Support at Home program, and the new rights-based Aged Care Act by:We are calling for improved access to aged care for older Australians, including:
• streamline migration processes• working with the sector on sensible transition timelines• addressing waitlist and assessment times
• offer the best possible educational settings through higher education, TAFE and other training arrangements• providing much-needed transition funding• designing strong safety nets so that everyone has access to high quality services, regardless of their capacity to pay
• support regional workforce incentives.• supporting funding viability and sustainability, including addressing challenges around care management fees.• supporting innovative models of care, including in regional Australia.
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2025 federal election

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Overview

Ageing Australia is committed to keeping aged care a national priority – regardless of who forms the next government.

To ensure aged care remains at the forefront of the agenda, we developed a 2025 federal election strategy informed by member feedback on key sector challenges. This strategy is shaped by insights from various member consultations, our election member survey, intelligence from the State of the Sector 2024 report, and our 2025–26 Pre-Budget Submission.

Our approach is strategic, solutions-focused, and non-partisan, advocating for a sustainable aged care sector through well-designed reforms.

On this page, we have prepared resources to help members actively engage in the federal election and amplify our collective advocacy – because together, our voices are stronger, and we can drive real change for aged care.

Member-Produce

Ageing Australia State of the Sector report 2025
Submissions

Ageing Australia Pre-Budget Submission 2025-26

Table of contents

Our federal election priorities

The next 12 months will be critical, with major sector reforms underway – including the introduction of the new Aged Care Act, the Support at Home program, and substantial regulatory changes.

This election, we are calling on all sides of politics to prioritise aged care in the next term of Parliament to ensure older Australians receive the care they need, where they want it and when they need it. 

Addressing the workforce crisisSupporting sector transitionImproving access to aged care
We are calling on the government to design sustainable aged care workforce solutions that:We are calling for support on the transition to the Support at Home program, and the new rights-based Aged Care Act by:We are calling for improved access to aged care for older Australians, including:
• streamline migration processes• working with the sector on sensible transition timelines• addressing waitlist and assessment times
• offer the best possible educational settings through higher education, TAFE and other training arrangements• providing much-needed transition funding• designing strong safety nets so that everyone has access to high quality services, regardless of their capacity to pay
• support regional workforce incentives.• supporting funding viability and sustainability, including addressing challenges around care management fees.• supporting innovative models of care, including in regional Australia.

How you can help – your voice matters​

We encourage all Ageing Australia members to be a part of the campaign as your voice strengthens our collective impact. We have developed some helpful tips and resources for you to use and support our shared advocacy efforts.

Resources include:

Organise a visit with your local MP or candidate

If you are a residential aged care provider, a site visit is a powerful way to demonstrate the value of aged care services in your community.

During this visit you can showcase the importance of the work you do in their community and highlight some of the aged care challenges you want parliament to address.

We recommend that you select a MP or candidate from your local electorate, as they are the most interested in reaching local constituents. If an MP is unable to accommodate a visit, try again after the election.

Steps to organise a visit
  1. Contact the local campaign office (details on their website). If you are in a marginal seat, you may wish to invite both the current MP and the leading non-incumbent candidate.
  2. Call first, then follow up with a written invitation.
  3. Use our example invitation letter.
  4. Follow up within five business days if there is no response.
View sample invitation letter
Making the most out of a visit
  • Welcome the MP or candidate at reception, streamline sign-in (such as requesting a COVID-19 test prior to arrival) and allow time for introductions.
  • The MP or candidate will likely want to focus their time on talking to residents and staff and will be eager to hear their personal stories (let your residents know in advance where possible).
  • Provide a copy of the Ageing Australia 2025 federal election pamphlet.
  • Invite local media if desired. An MP or candidate visit is a good opportunity to engage with local media (i.e. suburban or regional newspapers, radio and television). If applicable, advise the MP or candidate that media have been invited in advance of the visit.
  • Take photos (with consent) for social media and newsletters.
  • End the visit with a clear ask: what action do you want them to take if elected? This could be one of Ageing Australia’s key asks, or something specific to your organisation or local community.
    • Tip 1: This is a good opportunity to ask for direct funding for a local initiative within your electorate relating to aged care.
    • Tip 2: You could explicitly ask MPs to commit to specific reforms, rather than general support for the aged care sector.
  • Keep communication open for future engagement – follow up with a thank you note.

Writing to your local MP or candidate

If a site visit isn’t feasible, a letter highlighting your concerns or election asks is another effective method to engage your local MP or candidate.

Sample election asks letter

Other ways to engage your local MP or candidate

For home and community care providers, you could consider other avenues to reach your local MP or candidate:

  • meet at your local MP’s office for a coffee with key staff
  • invite them for a ride-along to attend clients’ homes on service visits. These have worked well for services that deliver food or laundry, but require a very considered approach, so please contact Ageing Australia if you are considering this
  • arrange a get together with fellow local providers (e.g. a roundtable) and invite MPs or candidates to a broader event with bigger impact. If engaging other local providers to participate in a roundtable, ensure key messages are coordinated ahead of the event
  • attend community events where your local MP or candidate is present.

Show them a short video about a ‘day in the life’ of a home care provider.

Campaign materials

Sample invitation letter

Download template as word document

Dear Ms Smith MP

A2Life Aged Care services invites you to visit our residential aged care home in Gosford, as part of the 2025 federal election campaign.

A2Life Aged Care Services provides residential and home care services to over 300 people across Gosford and Woy Woy, employing over 90 staff. We pride ourselves in serving the Robertson electorate and have done so for over 30 years.

We would like to invite you to our residential homes at 14 Julian Place, Kincumber.

This 33-bed home offers an exceptional, welcoming environment. This is a chance to meet residents and staff and understand first-hand how important aged care services are now, and into the future.

To arrange a time that suits your schedule, please contact me directly at or call my office directly on (02) 5267 8432.

Thank you for interest in aged care.

Sincerely

Robert Paul
CEO, A2Life Aged Care

Sample election asks letter

Download template as word document

Dear Ms Smith MP

I am writing on behalf of A2Life Aged Care Services, which supports 300 older Australians and employs 90 staff across home and community care, servicing areas in Gosford and Woy Woy.

As we approach the 2025 federal election, I urge you to prioritise aged care – ensuring older Australians receive the quality care they deserve and that the sector is equipped to meet future needs.

The next 12 months are critical, with major sector reforms underway – including the introduction of the new Aged Care Act, the Support at Home program, and substantial workforce requirements and regulatory changes.

Together with Ageing Australia, we call on your support for the following key aged care priorities:

  • Addressing the workforce crisis – Urgently tackling workforce shortages through streamlined migration, stronger education and training pathways, and regional workforce incentives.
  • Supporting sector transition – Ensuring a smooth transition to the new Aged Care Act and Support at Home program, with realistic timelines, essential transition funding, and sustainable financial models, including care management fee reforms.
  • Improving access to aged care – Reducing wait times, strengthening safety nets for affordability, and supporting innovative care models, particularly in regional areas.

Your support is essential in making these reforms a success.

I look forward to your response and understanding your commitment to our key priorities for aged care.  

If you would like to meet or discuss, please contact me at or (02) 5267 8432 to arrange a convenient time.

Thank you for your commitment to aged care.

Sincerely

Robert Paul
CEO, A2Life Aged Care

Campaign materials

Ageing Australia 2025 federal election pamphlet

Our 2025 federal election pamphlet outlines the key election priorities for members to share with MPs and candidates.

Download a copy or request a printed version by 10 April 2025, and we will mail this to you.

For matters related to our policy and advocacy, or our 2025 federal election strategy, please contact our policy and advocacy team.

Download the 2025 federal election pamphlet

Request a 2025 federal election pamplet

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