‘Far more than a lick of paint’: ACT Government defends $10 million Burrangiri upgrade amid bed shortage

Key points

• The ACT Government has defended spending $10 million on upgrading the Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre in Rivett without adding beds. Health Infrastructure Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith told the Legislative Assembly the ageing building needs extensive work, including new heating, cooling and electrical systems, a commercial kitchen and dementia-friendly facilities.
• Independent MLAs Fiona Carrick and Thomas Emerson criticised the approach, arguing the money should have expanded respite services.
• Burrangiri is expected to close for about a year from July 2027 during renovations.