Ageing Australia welcomes the Government’s decision to introduce human oversight to the Integrated Assessment Tool which decides the level of an older person’s Support at Home services.

Today, the government announced planned changes to legislation to support human intervention when the outcome of the assessment is clearly incorrect, for both prioritisation and classification.

Ageing Australia has been working with the Government to find a solution after widespread complaints from older people over the system’s fairness.

“When dealing with the complex needs of older people it’s important a machine or algorithm doesn’t have the final say on how much support they receive,” Ageing Australia CEO Tom Symondson said.

“We were able to provide the Government with over 150 examples of older people struggling with the system, thanks to help from our members.”

“Every situation is different, and everyone’s needs are different. Allowing a System’s Governor to have the final say on assessments brings that much needed human element back to the process. It’s people making decisions about people.”

“We thank the Government and especially Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae, for listening to our concerns and acting. We also welcome the opportunity to be part of the design and the implementation of the changes.”

“We also congratulate Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care Senator Anne Ruston for helping shine a light on the issue through her Private Senator’s Bill currently before the Upper House. It’s wonderful to see the Government and the Opposition putting older people first.”

Media contact: Peter O’Dempsey 0499 106 957 or

About Ageing Australia: Ageing Australia is the national organisation representing all providers of aged care and housing to older Australians.