The 2026 WA State Budget has delivered a significant and timely investment in health, housing and aged care support, recognising the increasing pressures facing older Western Australians, hospitals, carers and aged care providers.
A record $9.1 billion has been allocated to health and mental health, including $6.5 billion for frontline hospital services, workforce growth and improved access to care, alongside $1.5 billion for health infrastructure and the Building Hospitals Fund. The investment is expected to deliver an additional 900 hospital beds across Western Australia.
The funding comes as hospitals continue to face growing pressure from older patients who are medically ready to leave but can’t access the aged care or home support they need to safely return home or transition into care. More than 300 older people are currently occupying hospital beds across WA while waiting for aged care services, while residential aged care occupancy rates remain above 95%.
The Budget contains a targeted $60 million package designed to support older people transitioning older patients from hospital to community settings through programs such as the Transition Care Program and 150 Time to Think beds. Greater investment in transitional and community-based care is critical to reducing unnecessary hospital stays and improving outcomes for older people.
The Budget also includes the previously announced $100 million Aged Care Low Interest Loan Scheme aimed at unlocking additional concessional aged care beds across the State. Juniper has a number of projects ready to progress through the loan application process and will be seeking to work with the State Government to deliver additional services for older Western Australians.
Juniper CEO Russell Bricknell welcomed the increased investment in hospital capacity and the healthcare workforce, saying it is an important step in addressing pressure across the system.
“The investment in hospital beds and healthcare workers should help reduce pressure points in the system and support smoother transitions for older people moving from hospital into aged care or back home, particularly in areas where demand continues to grow,” Mr Bricknell said. “However, further investment will be needed across aged care and community-based services to keep pace with future demand.”
The announcements come against the backdrop of a rapidly ageing population, with projections showing that by 2050, one in five Western Australians will be over the age of 65.
Housing affordability and availability are also increasingly being recognised as major issues affecting older Australians. The State Government has committed a record $4.7 billion to boost housing supply and affordability, including an additional $1.5 billion for social and affordable housing initiatives.
Mr Bricknell added: “Housing affordability and availability are not just social issues, they directly affect older people’s health, independence and their ability to remain living safely at home.
“When older Australians can’t access appropriate and affordable housing, we see earlier entry into residential aged care, more pressure on hospitals, and increased strain on carers and support services. The scale of investment announced is encouraging, but ongoing attention will be needed to ensure housing supply keeps pace with an ageing population.”
The Budget also continues a range of cost-of-living supports for older Western Australian and carers, including the WA Seniors Card discount, Seniors Cost of Living Rebate and Grandcarers Support Scheme.
In addition, $14.5 million has been allocated to establish the Foster and Grand Carer Gold Card, which includes $377 in energy bill relief in recognition of the important role carers play in the community.
Mr Bricknell added: “We recognise these Budget measures represent an important step toward addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the aged care sector.
“However, continued investment and collaboration across health, housing and aged care will be essential to ensure older people can access the care, support and housing they need as demand continues to rise.”
Contact 
1300 313 000