Aged care program for 830,000 Australians to be extended

The Albanese government will continue to fund critical aged care services for 830,000 older Australians after promising to keep separate two commonwealth-funded programs beyond 2029.

Health Minister Mark Butler and Aged Care Minister Sam Rae announced on Thursday the federal government would extend the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to June 2029.

The CHSP is separate to the government's Support At Home program and provides subsidised, contracted services, including for cleaning, shopping, transport, and social services.

For many older Australians, the CHSP was the “entry point” for aged care services, Senator Rae said.

“Now, providers told us they needed certainty. And, importantly, all the people told us that they needed continuity of care,” he said.

The government estimates some 1300 providers will deliver services through the CHSP, including local councils across Australia the government said cited uncertainty as the reason for pulling out of the program.

About 40 per cent of CHSP clients are outside Australia’s major cities.

Senator Rae confirmed the intention was to keep the two programs separate beyond 2029, with consultation to take place on the CHSP’s long-term future.

In a statement, Ageing Australia welcomed the CHSP’s extension after speculation that it would be merged into the Support At Home program.

“Providers need that certainty to keep the services running,” chief executive Tom Symondson said.

“Without it, many have been forced to consider closure or service reductions. I hope that much of that can be avoided with today’s announcement.

“It’s critical that we use this time to look at existing contracts and make sure they’re sufficient to provide the support needed for local communities. Many are outdated with woefully inadequate funding to deliver for the needs of the community, which must be urgently addressed.

“We also need to use this time to consult with the community and the sector to get the program right long term.”

While Senator Rae said the government had “listened” to older Australians, he also defended controversial algorithmic decision-making, known as the integrated assessment tool, which has been subject to successful votes against Labor in the Senate.