Australia’s health and aged care sector is undergoing rapid evolution, and AI is playing an increasingly significant role in this transformation. Whether it’s helping improve care, making operations more efficient, or supporting a stretched workforce, AI offers real promise. But to unlock its full potential, we need more than just tech investment. We need mature capability across data, people, and governance.
Getting the Basics Right: Data and Digital Foundations
AI is only as good as the data and systems behind it. Currently, many health and aged care providers are working with outdated systems, siloed data, and inconsistent data quality, which hinders the effective scaling of AI.
To move forward, organisations need to strengthen their core digital capabilities. That means:
- Building integrated platforms that bring together clinical, operational, and financial data.
- Creating standardised data governance frameworks that ensure accuracy, privacy, and compliance.
- Using real-time analytics to enable smarter, more proactive care.
The Australian Government’s Aged Care Data and Digital Strategy 2024–2029 outlines a clear roadmap for this transformation, highlighting the need for a digitally connected aged care system that empowers older people, supports workforce efficiency, and drives innovation across the sector.
Supporting the People Who Deliver Care: Readiness, Trust and Involvement
Technology works best when people understand it, trust it and are involved in the process. That’s why it’s critical to bring health and aged care workers on the journey.
This starts with:
- Investing in digital literacy and training programs that show how tech can make roles easier and more care-focused.
- Involving staff in the design of AI tools to ensure they’re practical, easy to use, and fit seamlessly into workflows.
- Communicating clearly about what AI is—and what it’s not. It’s a tool to assist, not replace, frontline workers.
When people feel supported and understand the benefits, adoption becomes a natural next step. Staff who trust AI are more likely to use it to reduce admin load, improve decisions, and focus on what really matters—care.
Governing AI for Good
AI in health and aged care isn’t a low-risk endeavour. In this sector, decisions can have a deep and lasting effect on people’s lives. So, strong governance is essential.
What does that look like?
- Using AI tools responsibly and ethically, ensuring they are explainable and aligned with human values.
- Staying up to date with evolving regulations and national standards.
- Measuring success not just by efficiency, but by real outcomes for people.
- Keeping humans involved in all critical decision-making.
Trusted global and national authorities make similar points. The World Health Organisation’s 2024 AI governance guidance stresses that strong frameworks that protect people’s rights and safety are needed, especially in high-stakes environments like aged care. Additionally, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care’s AI Transparency Statement emphasises the importance of human oversight in all AI decision-making. Fairness, transparency, and accountability aren’t optional—they’re foundational. AI should enhance human expertise, not replace it.
How We Help
At IQ Life, we focus on helping providers build real AI capability maturity—not just by adding tools, but by making sure the organisation is truly ready to use them. That means:
- Strengthening data foundations.
- Building workforce confidence and trust.
- Choosing the right AI use cases that create real impact.
We guide providers every step of the way, from strategy to implementation, with a clear goal: to help AI improve care, support staff, and enhance the lives of older Australians.
Because at the end of the day, AI should never be just about the tech—it should be about better outcomes for people.