Following the Australian Labor Party’s decisive victory in the 2025 Federal Election, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has unveiled a significant cabinet reshuffle, marking a transformative period for the nation’s aged care sector.
HelloCare takes a look at the key changes.
As one of the most senior members of the Albanese Government, Minister Mark Butler has seen his portfolio grow.
Previously just the Minister for Health and Aged Care, he now takes on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) after Bill Shorten’s retirement.
It means Minister Butler, who is the member for Hindmarsh in South Australia, becomes the Minister for Health and Ageing, Disability and NDIS.
Jenny McAllister, a senator in New South Wales since 2015, will serve as the Assistant Minister for the NDIS.
Senator McAllister has held a variety of responsibilities during her political career, both as an assistant and lead minister, including families and communities, climate change and energy, emergency management, and cities.
“Mark Butler has a great interest in this area, has had an interest for a long period of time. Jenny McAllister has shown in the work she’s done in emergency management in a short period of time she is someone who has a capacity to have a great attention to detail,” Prime Minister Albanese explained.
“That is precisely what is required when it comes to the reform of the NDIS. We want to make sure the NDIS fulfils what its intention was, that everyone has the best opportunity to contribute to Australian society and that people with a disability don’t get left behind.”
Anika Wells, who previously held the dual roles of Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Sport, has been appointed as the Minister for Communications while retaining her responsibilities in Sport.
This transition comes after her notable contributions to aged care reforms, including the implementation of 24/7 nursing care and wage increases for aged care staff.
“While I was at university, I worked in aged care with my mum pushing the tea trolley and filling in empty shifts,” Minister Wells shared.
“With that experience, it has been a privilege to be your Minister for Aged Care for the last three years, fighting every day to lift the sector out of crisis.”
Her departure from the aged care portfolio occurs shortly before the introduction of the new Aged Care Act, set to commence on 1 July, 2025.
When Minister Wells entered parliament in 2019 she was the youngest female MP at 34. She was named Minister for Aged Care and Sport in 2022, which coincided with serious investments into reforming the aged care sector.
Now, she won’t see the process through. Instead, Minister Wells retains her Sports portfolio and swaps Aged Care for Communications. One of her new roles will be introducing a social media ban for children 16 and under, alongside preparations for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
“The job’s not done…but my goodness we’ve made progress. Thank you to everyone who has been on this journey – many long before I started,” she added.
“Thank you to everyone who welcomed me into your home and took time to share your lived experience with me – older people, advocates, workers and more.
“There is no greater contribution any of us can make than to care for, respect and value the generations that have come before us.”
Sam Rae, the MP for Hawke, has been appointed as the new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. Rae, 38, brings experience from his previous roles as the Victorian State Secretary for the Labor Party and as a partner at consultancy firm PwC.
His appointment is part of a broader cabinet reshuffle following Labor’s substantial victory in the federal election.
Some might see Minister Rae’s appointment as controversial. He benefited from from a major factional shake-up that saw Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus and Ed Husic dumped from cabinet.
This move was allegedly spearheaded by deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, who Minister Rae is aligned with.
Regardless of the reasons, he will be well-supported by a new Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, Indigenous Health and Women, Rebecca White.
Minister White is the MP for Lyons in Tasmania and a former leader of the Tasmanian Labor Party. She swapped state politics for federal in 2025 and is at the forefront of a new wave of leaders alongside Minister Rae.
“It is an extraordinary opportunity for ministers,” Prime Minister Albanese said.
“For the entire caucus going forward to put in place the agenda that we put forward positively to the Australian people, and an ambitious agenda to change this country for the better,” he said.
“I am deeply humbled by the trust that was put into my government with the election and we certainly won’t take it for granted.”
This cabinet reconfiguration reflects the Albanese government’s commitment to aligning aged care more closely with health services, ensuring a holistic approach to the wellbeing of Australia’s ageing population.
With Labor securing over 90 seats in the House of Representatives, the government is positioned to advance its ambitious agenda for systemic improvements across the aged care sector.
As the sector transitions under new leadership, stakeholders anticipate continued progress in delivering high-quality, sustainable care for older Australians.
