Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells yesterday afternoon released the 2024-25 allocation of Multi-Purpose Service (MPS) places with 56 of 102 residential care places going to 10 existing MPSs across New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia.

The remaining 46 places will be allocated to three new MPSs although details about where they will be located have not been released.

The latest allocations will increase annual funding for the MPS program by around $7.5 million, the equivalent of $74,000 per bed.

The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended expanding the MPS program, a joint initiative between Federal and State and Territory Governments to provide health and aged care services in regional, rural and remote communities unable to support both a hospital and separate aged care home.

As per the image above, Western NSW Local Health District received the largest of the 2024-25 allocation with 47 places.

“The additional 102 places will make it easier for older people in rural and remote Australia to access care when they need it,” the Minister said.

There are currently 3,796 residential care places funded by the Federal Government under the MPS program, with 29 State Government providers delivering MPS services at 183 locations.

The Weekly SOURCE has previously reported that Western NSW Local Health District, in a submission to a NSW Government enquiry into the health system, said many small towns in their catchment have no access to home support and aged care providers are closing.