Independent ACT Senator David Pocock has accused the federal Labor government of breaking an election promise to deliver more respite beds in Canberra, after announcing that $10 million would instead be spent upgrading the existing Burrangiri facility.

Pocock says the decision means no additional respite beds will be delivered, despite commitments made during the 2025 federal election to expand respite care in the ACT.

According to Pocock, about $2.7 million will go towards essential fire safety upgrades at Burrangiri, with a further $7.4 million allocated to broader building improvements.

He says a proposal from a local aged care provider to deliver 18 additional high-care respite rooms within about 18 months, while also upgrading Burrangiri’s safety systems, appears to have been overlooked.

“We were promised more respite beds. It is so frustrating when there is a proposal from an aged care provider that would have allowed safety upgrades to Burrangiri and 18 more respite beds within the funding envelope,” Pocock says.

He says the government had initially engaged with independents and community representatives about Burrangiri’s future but made its final decision without further consultation.

The facility was retained following community pressure during last year’s election campaign, including advocacy by independent candidate for Bean Jessie Price and independent MLA Fiona Carrick.

Pocock says the decision has let down Canberra families needing respite care and undermined public trust in election commitments.

“My message to Labor is simple: do what you say you’re going to do.”

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