The Albanese Government has unveiled an additional $300 million in grants to improve residential aged care services, especially in regional, rural and remote locations. The new funding round, offered through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, focuses on projects that will enhance community-centred care and modernise facilities.
Residential aged care providers can use these grants for various purposes, including infrastructure upgrades, new buildings and staff accommodation. While the focus is on locations in the MM 2 to 7 range, specialist providers serving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can also apply wherever they operate, including major cities.
Last year’s efforts saw $385 million in grants awarded to 128 infrastructure projects across Australia—many of them outside major urban centres—demonstrating the government’s intention to bolster services where they are most needed. Applications for the latest round of funding close on 20 May 2025 at 2pm (AEST), with details available on GrantConnect.
Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells, underscored the importance of allowing seniors to remain close to home while receiving quality support:
“The choice to enter residential aged care shouldn’t mean a choice to leave your community. Older people should be able to access the care they need, regardless of where they live or what services they need.”
In describing how the funding will benefit communities nationwide, she said: “This $300 million funding package will improve access to quality aged care from the regions to the bush, and for older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities nationwide.”
Beyond improving aged care facilities, the government aims to stimulate the local economy: “This is also about building thriving, prosperous communities, with funded projects generating new job opportunities across the construction and care sectors.”
Ritchelle is a Content Producer for Healthcare Channel, Australia’s premier resource of information for healthcare.
