The accompanying consultation report summarises the feedback we received during our public consultation held from 10 July to 22 August 2025.
As part of the consultation, we received 47 submissions from peak bodies, residential aged care providers, government departments, carers and families, the aged care workforce, and members of the public.
We also completed 45 interviews with providers of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flexible Aged Care Program (NATSIFACP) and the Multi-Purpose Service Program (MPSP).
What we heard
Some key highlights from the consultation include:
- support for improving provider participation in cost collections
- recommendations on alternative funding model arrangements for MPSP and NATSIFACP
- suggestions for adjustments to existing supplements and new supplements to address gaps in the Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) funding model
- requests for location, building design, workforce shortages and regulatory requirements to be factored into the cost of delivering everyday living services.
What happens next
Based on feedback received, we will:
- consider targeted communication methods for future cost collections and help ensure any changes minimise burden on providers and residents
- analyse feedback on the cost drivers of the MPSP and NATSIFACP and consider the impact on advice for any new proposed funding model arrangements
- work with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to consider the impact of including specific supplements into the AN-ACC funding model
- review feedback on cost variations and model the potential financial impacts of tiered hotel supplements based on location, service and resident factors
- continue to review the costs associated with the implementation of the new Aged Care Act 2024 and reflect changes in future pricing advice.
The pricing framework and consultation report will help to inform the development of IHACPA’s Residential Aged Care Pricing Advice 2026–27.
