‘Cruel’ algorithm-based aged care funding tool could have human override reinstated after Senate passes bill

Tool used to determine level of home support funding has frequently under-assessed people and left them without adequate care

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The Senate has passed legislation to return human oversight to an aged care algorithm described by elderly Australians and their carers as https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/feb/17/australian-aged-care-algorithm-tool-home-support-funding-packages">“cruel” and “inhumane”, with the government conceding some decisions made by the tool need review.

The https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/2025-10/my-aged-care-integrated-assessment-tool-iat-user-guide.pdf">integrated assessment tool (IAT), introduced in November, is used to determine the level of home support funding and care elderly people are entitled to.