The federal opposition has given in-principle support to ensuring aged care remains sustainable, even if it means joining Labor in losing political capital from a move to a more means-tested system.

After the Albanese government announced a taskforce would review the system with a view to making those with significant assets pay more, Peter Dutton signalled the opposition was prepared to co-operate so long as the solution was measured and not a new tax or the imposition of a death tax.