Albanese government breaks respite care promise, funds refurbishment instead of
The Albanese government has allocated $10 million to refurbish Burrangiri but added no new respite beds, breaking an election promise to carers.
The Albanese government has announced $10 million in funding to keep the Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre in Canberra operating, but the money will only cover refurbishment of the existing 15 beds, no new capacity.
Canberra carers and advocates say this breaks an election promise to increase respite beds. Senator Katy Gallagher announced the funding as a commitment to save the Salvation Army-run centre.
The Save Burrangiri Action Group, the Council on the Ageing ACT and multiple ACT politicians argue that Labor promised capital funding for a new facility or an extension to provide more beds. The centre will close for 12 months from July 2027 for fire safety and renovation work.
Advocates say the entire $10 million should not go to a single building; Goodwin has offered to create 18 new high-care respite beds, which would add 6,570 extra bed-nights annually.
- $10 million
- Government funding
- 15
- Existing respite beds
- 12 months from July 2027
- Closure duration
- 18 new high-care beds
- Alternative capacity offered
Why it mattersCanberra families needing respite care lose access to beds during a crucial closure period, and promised capacity never arrives, leaving carers without promised support.
AustraliaThe ACT's aged care crisis deepens as carers are left without new respite options despite a federal election promise, a concern that mirrors aged care shortages nationwide.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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