In recent Senate Estimates hearings, Rachel Balmanno, First Assistant Secretary, People, Communication and Parliamentary Division with the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) said the Government has awarded consumer analysis firm Fiftyfive5 a $330,000 contract to conduct market research of the Aged Care Star Ratings system.

In response to a question from Shadow Minister for Aged Care Anne Ruston, Balmanno said, "We've conducted some market research to understand the extent to which those star ratings are understandable, how people are perceiving them, whether they're aware of them."

"We're looking at whether we need to do additional promotion.

"We're looking at whether we need to change the way that things are described to improve understanding and all of those things, to make sure that the star ratings are achieving the benefits they were intended to achieve for consumers."

A spokesperson for the Department confirmed Balmanno's comments, and said the Department also began its own evaluation of the Star Ratings system in February 2024 and is seeking feedback from older people, their representatives, providers, aged care workers, peak bodies, and other sector stakeholders.

The Government's latest Star Rating data showed there was only one 1 Star aged care home as of May 2024, and the number of 5 Star homes has increased 33% over the year to 72 homes.

More information about the Government's analysis can be found here.