News

Demand for advocacy support continues to increase as many older people experience ongoing difficulty navigating Australia’s aged care system, the Older Persons Advocacy Network’s (OPAN) latest NACAP Presenting Issues Half-yearly Report finds.  The interim report, released this week, shows more older people are seeking independent advocacy support and information to navigate aged care,… Read More »Advocacy demand surges as aged care system complexity persists

The introduction of the Support at Home program was intended to improve how older people access care at home — but with continuing reports of early implementation issues, it is clear the program has not yet reached its full intent.… Read More »Advocates report rising demand as older people navigate Support at Home changes

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) welcomes the Albanese Government’s investment of an additional $115 million through the Aged Care Capital Assistance Program, to deliver more aged care beds in select hotspots across South Australia, New South Wales and Western… Read More »New Aged Care funding welcomed

‘Never stop asking questions.’  This is the simple but powerful message that National Older Person’s Reference Group member Michelle Treasure has for those supporting an older person to make their own decisions.  Speaking from her own experience supporting her late mother who was living with… Read More »Supported decision-making: a cultural mindset shift

Despite the much-anticipated new Aged Care Act being in effect for more than 100 days, significant challenges persist for older people on the Support at Home program, as evidenced by the nearly 18,000 cases supported by OPAN’s network members in the last quarter.   A wide… Read More »Support at Home issues: OPAN urges government to act 

Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) warmly welcomes a reconstituted National Older Persons Reference Group (NOPRG), making it the most diverse group to date. The reference group was formed more than five years ago and meets every two months to ensure… Read More »OPAN welcomes a new reference group to inform systemic advocacy

Ramnik Singh Walia is an aged care advocate from Darwin Community Legal Services, OPAN’s Northern Territory network member.   As the sector continues to navigate the new Aged Care Act, Ramnik reflects on how the legislation changes are playing out in practice so far and highlights the important role advocacy plays in empowering older people to… Read More »Rights must be embedded in everyday care not just written into law

Aged care advocate Ramnik Singh Walia, has been recognised for his work to improve the lives of others at the Australian Human Rights Awards 2025.

Older people are being reminded of the government’s Financial Hardship Assistance program, amid reports of aged care contribution payments increasing since the New Aged Care Act was introduced on 1 November.  While the new Act has benefits including an important Statement of… Read More »Older people reminded of financial assistance available for aged care

Picture from Ageing Australia. From left: Andrea Kelly, Craig Gear, Lloyd Williams, Tom Symondson and Virgina Trioli.  OPAN shone a spotlight on advocacy, diversity and rights at the 2025 Ageing Australia National Conference on the Gold Coast this month, which… Read More »Meeting the moment, shaping the future: Ageing Australia National Conference 2025 wrap up