News

Senate report calls for urgent action on Aged Care supports and wait times

Published: 8 October 2025

MND Australia welcomes the recommendations from the The Senate Community Affairs References Committee in their report on Aged Care service delivery.

The recommendations include:

• the urgent release of additional Support at Home care packages
• ending the rationing of care packages
• providing real-time information on wait times
• review of the inadequate lifetime cap of $15,000 on home modifications
• review of the 12-week time limit for the End-of-Life Pathway

Australians diagnosed with MND aged 65 and older are ineligible for the NDIS and must rely on the Aged Care system for government funded supports. There are approximately 2,752 people with MND in Australia and more than 63% are diagnosed over the age of 65.

“We are extremely encouraged by the report's recommendations. These eleven recommendations align with MND Australia’s submission to the Inquiry and our ongoing advocacy to ensure people living with MND aged 65 and over receive the supports and services they need in a timely manner," said MND Australia CEO, Clare Sullivan.

In addition to the Report's recommendations, MND Australia continues to advocate for improvements in the Aged Care system which address the unique and complex needs of people living with MND.

"We are calling on the Australian Government to implement a fast-track process in the Aged Care system for people living with MND, similar to the current NDIS Priority Eligibility Decision Pathway. "

Inaccurate assessments can also lead to delays in the assignment of a package at the required level and do not take into account the rapid progression of many people living with MND. An assessor with an expert understanding of MND will reduce this risk and ensure services and supports are received sooner.

"We also continue to advocate for funding equity between the Aged Care system and the NDIS for people with MND. We welcome the inclusion of our submission detail in relation to this funding inequity within the Senate Community Affairs References Committee’s report."

The maximum level of support under the Support at Home Program is $108,000. This includes the highest level base package (level 8) of $78,000, plus an additional $15,000 for assistive technology and $15,000 for home modifications.

Yet the average annual package for a person living with MND under the NDIS is $302,000 -- a difference of $194,000 annually. 

"People living with MND aged 65 and over simply cannot wait for care, we're calling on the Australian Government to urgently implement these recommendations to ensure people receive the care they need, at the time they need it."