The Albanese Government is focused on delivering better, more dignified aged care to every older Australian, including ensuring older Australians in the ACT can maintain continuity of care when it comes to cottage respite.
The Government will amend Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) Grant Guidelines to open a clear funding pathway for cottage respite services to ensure older Australians in the ACT can access a Commonwealth subsidy for cottage respite where they previously could.
Burrangiri and any other eligible providers are now eligible to apply for a CHSP grant to provide Commonwealth supported cottage respite services, ensuring older Canberrans and their families have access to care. This builds on the Government’s commitment to deliver an additional $10 million for new respite beds in the ACT.
Recognising the distinct challenges older Canberrans have faced in accessing respite care in recent months, the Government has worked closely with the community, and stakeholders to achieve a solution that maintains continuity of care for every older person that depends on these services.
Today’s announcement provides important certainty for families who rely on Burrangiri, close to the people and places they love while the Government works towards delivering its broader commitment for new respite beds in the ACT.
The Commonwealth Government will continue to work with the ACT Government, the operators of Burrangiri and the ACT community to progress longer term access to respite services in the ACT, in accordance with the commitment made at the 2025 Federal Election.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Finance and Senator for the ACT, Katy Gallagher:
“I have worked closely with the community and my Labor colleagues to deliver an outcome to a complex problem that exists uniquely here in the ACT.
“It was clear that a practical solution was needed to protect access to local respite care, and delivering this outcome reflects our passion for appropriate health and aged care services here in the ACT, just like they exist in many other places around Australia.
“I’m glad we have been able to deliver much‑needed certainty for families who rely on Burrangiri, while we continue working towards sustainable, long‑term arrangements.”
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Sam Rae MP:
“This move will support respite services like Burrangiri that we know play a vital role in providing dignified aged care to love in the ACT.
“We listened to the community about how important is that older Canberrans have access to crucial respite care - the Labor government has heard these concerns and acted.
“I want to thank my colleagues in the ACT especially Senator Katy Gallagher for her tireless advocacy and for working closely with the families and older people affected.
Quotes attributable to the Member for Bean, David Smith MP:
“Burrangiri is a vital service for families across the ACT, and this announcement provides real certainty for those who rely on respite care to support their loved ones at home.
“I have heard directly from families and carers in Bean about the importance of having access to high‑quality, local respite services, and I welcome the Government’s practical action to secure continuity of care.”