Senate Rejects Automated Aged Care Assessments Amid Concerns

On August 19, 2026, the Australian Senate voted to abolish the Integrated Assessment Tool used in aged care, following significant concerns about its impact on older individuals, including those with disabilities. The motion, supported by the Greens, Coalition, and crossbench, highlighted issues where automated assessments led to inadequate care allocations, compromising the safety and dignity of recipients.

People with Disability Australia (PWDA) welcomed this decision. Acting CEO Megan Spindler-Smith emphasized the importance of accurate assessments for older people with disabilities who rely on the aged care system. She stated, "Four Corners showed Australians what cruel automated decision-making means for people's lives. The system was returning bad results and costing people the supports they needed to live safely and with dignity."

PWDA also cautioned the Federal Government against implementing similar automated decision-making processes in the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Interim President Jarrod Sandell-Hay urged the government to fully implement the Robodebt Royal Commission's recommendations and reconsider its approach to automation in essential services. He warned, "We cannot afford a RoboNDIS Royal Commission."

This development underscores the need for human oversight in care assessments to ensure that individuals receive the necessary support to live independently and with dignity.