Council will next week reconsider whether to continue delivering aged care services beyond July 2027, after the Federal Government changed its position to extend the Commonwealth Home Support Program to 2029.
In June, Council decided to stop delivering Commonwealth-funded aged care services by July 2027, when major changes to the national aged care system are due to start. The three Shire aged care services funded by the program are Meals on Wheels, Community Transport and Group Social Support.
Last month, the Federal Government reversed its decision - announcing it would extend the current Commonwealth Home Support Program to 2029, with the possibility of permanently retaining it. In response, Council is seeking to review its options for the future delivery of these services.
At the 29 September Council Meeting, Councillors will consider three options:
- continuing with the plan to exit the delivery of all three aged care services in July 2027 to allow for a seamless transition to specialist aged care providers;
- maintaining delivery of all three services until 2029; or
- maintaining the delivery of Meals on Wheels until 2029 while transitioning Community Transport and Group Social Support to specialist aged care providers in July 2027, as planned.
No decision has yet been made.
Mayor Stephen Batty said the Federal Government's announcement to postpone its reforms to the Commonwealth Home Support Program had taken the community by surprise.
"Council made its decision to exit the program in good faith, after a detailed examination of the aged care reforms found the Shire could not meet the new requirements," Cr Batty said.
"The Federal Government's change of tack is significant, and we owe it to our community to reconsider this matter before any further decisions are made.
"We know these services are highly valued by our clients, their families and the volunteers who do a fantastic job in assisting.
"Our priority is to support the best outcome for older people on the Mornington Peninsula, while carefully and transparently considering the practical, financial, workforce and regulatory implications for Council."
Current services will continue while Council considers its options, and clients will be kept informed of any decisions affecting future service delivery.
