PDF printable version of $13.3 million boost for Home and Community Care in SA (PDF 103 KB)
Joint Release
Senator the Hon Santo Santoro
Australian Government
Minister for Ageing
The Hon Jay Weatherill MP
South Australian Government
Minister for Ageing
22 February 2007
SS16/07
An injection of more than $13 million in additional funding would provide a boost to Home and Community Care services in South Australia, the Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro, and the South Australian Minister for Ageing, Jay Weatherill, said today.
The new funding brings total HACC allocations for South Australia in 2006-07 to more than $128 million, with the Commonwealth Government contribution of $79 million supplemented by $49 million from the South Australian Government.
“Home and Community Care services are vital to the quality of life for many frail older people and younger people with a disability,” Senator Santoro said.
“They provide basic support services that help people to maintain their independence and live with dignity in their own homes.”
The extra funding would assist older Australians, people with a disability and their carers to gain access to domestic assistance, personal care, home maintenance and modification services and respite care, he said.
“Without the Home and Community Care services, many of these people might have to move into aged care homes, rather than continuing to live independently.”
The $13.4 million of extra funding for South Australia includes $9.4 million in new recurrent funding and $4.0 million in one-off funding.
Nationwide, around $1.5 billion is being provided under the HACC program, with the Australian Government contributing 60 per cent of the total, or more than $928 million.
Mr Weatherill, who is also Minister for Disability, said the additional funding would provide much-needed services in an area of large and growing demand. It would include provision for a 2.1 per cent increase in existing services.
“About $1.2 million in funding will be used to help Aboriginal people and frail older people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” he said.
“The new funding also will help meet specific needs in rural and remote areas and help provide services that are responsive to the needs of individuals and local communities.”
“If people can get a little extra help to remain living in their own home, it means they can continue to be directly connected to their families, friends and the community. This enables them to not only maintain their independence but also their relationships and often, quality of life.”
Media contacts: Malcolm Cole (Senator Santoro’s office) – 0408 612 603
SA Office for the Ageing - 08-8207 0522
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