The Albanese Government has appointed Sam Rae as the new Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, following a ministerial reshuffle.
Mr Rae, who represents the federal electorate of Hawke (which includes Sunbury), will take on the aged care portfolio in an “outer ministry” position, meaning he will not sit in Cabinet.

This change has prompted debate about the government’s commitment to aged care, especially as major reforms are due to come into effect from 1 July.
Previously, aged care had been directly overseen within Cabinet, but the restructuring has shifted oversight away from the core executive team.
Advocates for older Australians have expressed concern about the move, arguing that removing aged care from Cabinet could reduce visibility and urgency around ongoing challenges in the sector.
Mr Rae’s appointment marks his first ministerial role since entering federal parliament in 2022.