This report describes the operation of the Act during 2009-10 and examines the adequacy of Australia's aged care programs and policies.

It is delivered to Parliament and the Australian community by the Minister in accordance with section 63-2 of the Act, which requires that the report include information about:

• the extent of unmet demand for places;
• the adequacy of the Australian Government subsidies provided to meet the care needs of residents;
• the extent to which providers are complying with their responsibilities under the Act;
• the amounts of accommodation bonds and accommodation charges charged;
• the duration of waiting periods for entry to residential care;
• the extent of building, upgrading and refurbishment of aged care facilities; and
• the imposition of any sanctions for non-compliance under Part 4.4 of the Act, including details of the nature of non-compliance and the sanctions imposed.

In addition to information required by the Act, the report also includes information on related matters to provide a more useful and comprehensive picture of the Australian aged care system.