Federal data reveals significant systemic implications for WA with lowest Home Care Packages per capita across the country

The figures from the Commonwealth Gen Aged Care March Quarter 2025 data report showcase a troubling reality for WA. The report, released by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, details that WA has only 43 home care packages (HCP) per 1000 older persons, placing them beneath every other State or Territory in Australia.

Russel Bricknell of Juniper Aged Care has raised the flag in The West Australian about this recently released federal data, highlighting that,

“WA is falling alarmingly behind when it comes to support for its ageing population.”

The report puts in stark reality the numbers across the nation. Victoria and South Australia are sustaining 62 HCP per capita. NSW is providing 59 HCP per capita and tellingly, even with a smaller economy, the Northern Territory is providing 50 HCP per capita.

With a population at just over 3 million people, the report states that 22,226 people in WA have approved HCPs. However, Bricknell speaks to what the newly released data means for those in the most precious of positions, those waiting for HCP to be approved for the first time.

Between the dates of Jan 1 and March 31, the report shows that 3629 HCP were released in WA. Diving further into those numbers, only 1855 were brand new packages, meaning that of the HCP released, the bulk were updates to those already on packages, not packages heading to those who were waiting to receive their first approval.

These numbers feed into a bigger story of problematic systemic consequences. Bricknell states,

“West Australians are also missing out on residential care, with only 66 places available per 1000 people aged 70 and over.”

With the lower rates of HCP approval to new applicants in WA, contextual numbers display worrying consequences across the healthcare sectors. Pointing to a federal issue, the WA Premier has publicly commented to Canberra that upwards of 250 hospital beds a day in WA are being utilised by seniors who are eligible for either residential aged care or home care.

With consistent reports of WA’s hospital system under increasing strain, underpinned recently by WA’s reporting its largest ambulance ramping figures in July, the consequences of lack of home and RAC support is likely making its way through the system. Regardless of level of government, those in hospital beds haven’t received HCP approval or an available bed in RAC. Many are remaining in hospital with wider impacts felt across the state, impacting young and old alike.

Bricknell points to the Augitor General’s financial figures surrounding costs of care across the health care sector in WA. “When you think the average hospital bed costs $2370 per day compared with a place in aged care of about $350 a day, it really is a no-brainer.” 

The WA state government has broadcast moves to address shortages in senior care, with the introduction of a $100 million low-interest loan scheme to facilitate 500 concessional aged-care beds next financial year, and the Time to Think program providing 42 transitional beds in Perth for those adjusting to at-home care. However, Bricknell sees that “older West Australians are still facing significant delays, waiting an average of 10 extra days in hospital and 16 additional days for an aged care placement.”

Understanding “the solution isn’t simple”, Bricknell nevertheless calls for, “a clear acknowledgement from both State and Federal governments that WA is underserved – and that fixing this inequity is urgent.”