Royal Commission hits Council aged care

By Lachlan Ellis

A decision from the Commonwealth Government, following the Royal Commission into Aged Care, has “forced Council’s hand” on potentially ceasing aged and disability services.

In a closed session of the 1 December Ordinary Meeting, Council made an in-principle decision to transition out of delivering services currently funded by the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP), and Regional Assessment Services (RAS).

Under the change, the Commonwealth Government will be responsible for choosing a new provider of aged care and disability services.

However, Council has affirmed that it will continue to advocate for the needs of vulnerable Moorabool residents, and continue investing in age-friendly programs such as the Age Well Live Well Strategy.

Council CEO Derek Madden said Council would work hard to help find the best successor, that provided the closest level of service to what clients were used to.

“There will be a change in how the Commonwealth will fund Council, which will mean Council is not able to fund the full suite of services. However, Council will enter the EOI (Expression of Interest) process, we’ll take a proactive role,” Mr Madden said.

“This change is happening in many Councils, if not the majority. Hepburn Shire made a similar decision in November.”

Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said the decision “was not taken lightly”, but the Commonwealth Government’s changes made it an unfortunate necessity.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2021-12-07/4

in the 7 December 2021 edition
OR
pick up a paper around your town.