Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has promoted Anika Wells, the Minister for Aged Care and Sport, to cabinet as part of a pre-election reshuffle brought on by the departure of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and Government Services Minister Bill Shorten.

The elevation of Anika is acknowledgement by the Prime Minister of her role in getting the aged care reforms through parliament. The new Aged Care Act was made law in November last year.

“Anika Wells has delivered the most significant reforms on aged care this century with the legislation that passed through both houses of parliament at the end of last year and has delivered on the commitments that were made," the Prime Minister said.

"There is now a nurse in a nursing home, as they used to be called, 99% of the time. There are literally millions of hours of additional care being given to our older Australians who deserve to live their later years with dignity and with respect."

Anika became a member of the House of Representatives after the 2019 federal election. She is Member for the Queensland set of Lilley.

Anglicare Australia said the elevation of aged care to Cabinet is good news not just for older people, but for all Australians.

“The issues facing older Australians have never been more important, but for years, aged care has been viewed as a junior portfolio or a stepping stone to something else,” said Executive Director Kasy Chambers.

“The appointment of Minister Wells to cabinet signals a change in that approach. The Government's reforms to aged care are in a critical phase. This appointment shows that the Government is taking the transition seriously, and that it understands the importance of quality care for older people across the country."

Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler is already a member of the Cabinet.

The reshuffle takes effect on Monday 20 January.