$16.7 Million Funding Boost For Queenslanders in Need
People with a disability and older, frail people in Queensland will receive more support to remain in their homes and their communities as a result of increased funding for the Home and Community Care program.
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26 October 2011
People with a disability and older, frail people in Queensland will receive more support to remain in their homes and their communities as a result of increased funding for the Home and Community Care (HACC) program.
Commonwealth Minister for Mental Health and Ageing Mark Butler and Queensland Minister for Disability Services Curtis Pitt today announced a $16.7 million funding boost to the HACC program, bringing the total funding provided by both governments to nearly $475 million annually.
“The Gillard Labor Government is providing more funding, for more services, to more Australians than ever before,” Mr Butler said.
“The increased funding will deliver more domestic help and personal care services, social support, nursing care and allied health care such as physiotherapy and podiatry to more than 170,000 Queenslanders.
“Whether it’s short-term support to help people get back on their feet after a fall or an illness, or long-term permanent support, we’re delivering care and support that suits the individual and evolving needs of Australians.”
Mr Pitt said the Bligh Government was committed to providing as much support as possible to help people live independently in their community.
“Most people want to live in their own home, but some frail older people and people with a disability can find this difficult without support,” Mr Pitt said.
“It’s important that they are supported to stay in their homes and their neighbourhood where they feel comfortable and connected to their community.
“That’s why we are working with the Gillard Government to increase support services that enable them to live independently and lead happy, healthy and productive lives.
“These funds will allow home and community care service providers to continue to do what they do best – reach out and help people who are doing it a bit tough right now.”
Funding is being provided to 210 organisations including:
- $100,000 allocated to the HACC Multicultural Advisory Service to improve the training and support to HACC providers to meet the needs of clients from culturally diverse backgrounds and their carers.
- $53,000 to Rural and Remote Home Care Services for enhanced services including counselling, support and domestic assistance in the Peninsula region.
- $55,000 to Cooktown HACC Services to provide a range of enhanced HACC services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
- $35,000 to the Noosa Day Respite Centre to provide counselling and support, information and advocacy services.
- $28,000 to Mt Isa HACC Services for enhanced domestic assistance, social support, allied health care, personal care, centre based day care and transport to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in the Northern region.
The program is currently jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments – with contributions of 65 per cent and 35 per cent respectively.
However, major HACC reforms will soon take place and the Commonwealth will accept funding and program responsibility for people aged over 65 through a national aged care system.
The states will assume responsibility for people under 65 – and under 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people – through a disability and community care service system.
For more information about Home and Community Care in your area, see the Queensland Government website or phone the National Aged Care information line on 1800 200 422, the Commonwealth Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222 or speak to your doctor.
For more information, please contact Mr Butler's Office on (02) 6277 7280
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