Media Release | 27 May 2026
Bevan Eatts MLA
Shadow Minister for Aged Care
Shadow Minister for Aged Care, Bevan Eatts MLA, has highlighted new Department of Health data confirming Western Australia’s aged care system is now facing an immediate capacity crisis, with regional communities such as Warren–Blackwood among the hardest hit.
The Department’s 2026 WA Residential Aged Care Supply and Demand Analysis reveals demand has increased by around 24 per cent over the past decade, while the State has recorded its first decline in residential aged care bed numbers in more than ten years.
Mr Eatts said the findings validate long-standing concerns he has raised about the growing strain on the system.
“This report makes it clear: what was once considered a future risk is now a present-day crisis,” Mr Eatts said.
“The failure to deliver enough appropriate aged care beds is already being felt in our communities and hospitals, where too many older Western Australians are left in limbo.”
He said elderly residents deserved better care and greater dignity.
“Older Western Australians should be treated with compassion and supported in appropriate aged care settings — not left waiting in hospital beds due to system failures,” Mr Eatts said.
The report estimates WA will require up to 2,700 additional aged care beds by 2030, while around 700 existing beds are effectively out of service due to workforce shortages and operational constraints.
Mr Eatts warned the situation was particularly acute in regional areas, pointing to Manjimup as an example, where occupancy is already sitting at approximately 96 per cent across just 137 beds.
“In regional communities, there is virtually no buffer in the system,” he said.
“A single staffing shortage or temporary closure can quickly leave families with nowhere nearby to care for their loved ones. That is simply unacceptable.”
Mr Eatts said the data should serve as a wake-up call for both State and Federal Governments to act decisively.
“It’s time to stop shifting blame and start delivering a coordinated, long-term plan to increase aged care capacity and rebuild the regional workforce.
“This is not political rhetoric — this is the WA Department of Health’s own analysis warning the system is under growing strain,” he said.
ENDS
