Shaping the Future of Aged Care: Reflections from the Ageing Australia Queensland State Conference

What Was Discussed at the Ageing Australia Queensland State Conference Panel?

Just Better Care Brisbane North Director, Susanne Jones, was recently invited to join an expert panel at the Ageing Australia Queensland State Conference, held from 30 June to 1 July 2026. Joining representatives from Greek Orthodox Community Care (GOC Care), Footprints Community, Flexi Care and Five Good Friends, Susanne took part in a frank discussion about the realities of delivering care under Support at Home, exploring its early impacts, the challenges providers are navigating, and what the reforms mean for older Australians, their families and the organisations that support them.

What Is Support at Home Reform Changing for Aged Care Providers?

Eight months after Support at Home replaced the Home Care Package program in November 2025, the panel reflected on how different parts of the aged care system are adapting to reform. Having both service providers and representatives from the assessment sector, including Footprints Community, in the room allowed for an open conversation. There was broad recognition that the transition has presented real challenges, alongside a shared commitment among providers to finding practical solutions that improve outcomes for older Australians.

Why Do International Aged Care Funding Models Matter for Australia?

Beyond the panel sessions, the conference sparked broader conversations for Susanne about the long-term sustainability of aged care in Australia. Speaking with fellow delegates and reflecting on international approaches, she was reminded that Australia's system is unusual in how heavily government funding has traditionally underpinned aged care. Countries including Germany, England and Singapore have developed models that combine government support with varying levels of personal contribution, family involvement and community responsibility. No single system provides all the answers, but each highlights the same principle: delivering sustainable aged care is a shared responsibility.

What Does Susanne Jones Say About Support at Home Co-Contributions?

For Susanne, that principle means the sector needs to be honest about what government funding alone can realistically achieve.

"As a sector, we need to start having honest conversations," says Susanne Jones, Director of Just Better Care Brisbane North. "Government will always play a critical role in supporting older Australians, but it's unrealistic to expect any government to meet every future demand on its own. Where people have the financial capacity to contribute towards their care, we should view that not as a burden, but as part of building a sustainable system that continues to protect those who are most vulnerable."

How Is Just Better Care Brisbane North Preparing for the Future of Support at Home?

While acknowledging the concerns many people have about Support at Home and the introduction of co-contributions, Just Better Care Brisbane North is focused on developing flexible service models that respond to changing consumer expectations while remaining sustainable for the decades ahead. For Susanne, reform is about more than adapting to new legislation. It's about helping shape what comes next.

"We can spend the next ten years talking about what doesn't work in the system, or we can spend the next three years building something that will still be sustainable in twenty years' time," Susanne says.

At Just Better Care Brisbane North, that's exactly where the focus remains.

Frequently Asked Questions About Support at Home Reform

What Changed When Support at Home Replaced Home Care Packages?

Support at Home became Australia's government-funded in-home aged care program on 1 November 2025, replacing the Home Care Package system. It brought a new assessment process, updated budgets and, for some customers, co-contributions based on financial capacity.

Are Co-Contributions a New Requirement Under Support at Home?

Co-contributions apply to some services under Support at Home, based on a person's means. They are intended to help fund the system alongside government support, rather than replace it, and clinical care carries no co-contribution.

How Can I Get More Information About Support at Home in Brisbane North?

You can contact the Just Better Care Brisbane North team directly, or visit our Support at Home page for a full breakdown of eligibility, budgets and how to get started.