$40m for aged care in the Territory

The Federal Government has committed almost $40 million to rebuild the aged care system in the Northern Territory.

To boost access to high quality residential aged care and housing for aged care workers outside of major cities, there government is to invest in the Northern Territory, to ensure older Territorians can gain access to world-class aged care through the following projects:

• $34.6 million to rebuild the existing 25-bed facility at Pulkapulkka Kari Nursing Home and Hostel in Tennant Creek to deliver culturally appropriate residential rooms and common areas, a dedicated palliative care suite, and a clinical hub.
• $3.2 million to build modular staff accommodation units at Nganampa Ngura Mutitjulu-nya Flexible Aged Care facility at Mutitjulu.
• $1.5 million to build staff accommodation houses and provide upgrades to the kitchen and other spaces at the Malandari Flexible Aged Care Service in Borroloola.

“The Government is supporting more older Australians age with dignity in the communities they know and love, regardless of where they live,” Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae said.

“Labor’s $300 million funding boost is the single largest aged care infrastructure investment by any Australian Government.

Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator Malarndirri McCarthy said the investment would support older Territorians to access quality aged care services while remaining close to their families and cultural connections.

Important role in communities

“We are addressing the growing demand for aged care across the Territory by focusing on improving quality and access to the world-class services older Australians deserve,” Senator Mccarthy said.

“Our Elders play such an important role in our communities and it is essential they are provided the very best in aged care.”

Nationwide, the projects funded will deliver 315 new or reopened aged care beds, improving access where it is needed and helping older patients get the care they need, in the most appropriate setting, sooner.

In Total across Australia the $300 million in funding aims to builds on the $651m already invested through ACCAP since 2022, bringing our total investment to $951 million.

The Government will also release an Expression of Interest next month to identify a provider to partner with for a new 120-bed residential care home in Darwin, which will deliver on a $60m election commitment to expand aged care access in the Northern Territory.

For more information about the ACCAP grants, future rounds and funded projects, visit: www.health.gov.au/accap