Senate debates
Tuesday, 4 November 2025
Committees
Community Affairs References Committee; Reference
4:11 pm
Penny Allman-Payne (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source
I move:
That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by the last sitting Tuesday in November 2026:
The Support at Home Program, with reference to:
(a) the ability for older Australians to access services to live safely and with dignity at home;
(b) the impact of the co-payment contributions for independent services and everyday living services on the financial security and wellbeing of older Australians;
(c) trends and impact of pricing mechanisms on consumers;
(d) the adequacy of the financial hardship assistance for older Australians facing financial difficulty;
(e) the impact on the residential aged care system, and hospitals;
(f) the impact on older Australians transitioning from the Home Care Packages Program;
(g) thin markets including those affected by geographic remoteness and population size;
(h) the impact on First Nations communities, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities; and
(i) any other related matters.
Question agreed to.
I move:
That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 15 April 2026:
The transition of the Community Home Support Program to the Support at Home Program, with particular reference to:
(a) the timeline for the transition of the Community Home Support Program to the Support at Home Program after 1 July 2027;
(b) the expected impact of this transition, including on:
(i) waiting periods for assessment and receipt of care,
(ii) the lifetime cap of $15,000 on home modifications,
(iii) the End-of-Life Pathway time limits, and
(iv) thin markets with a small number of aged care service providers;
(c) aged care provider readiness for the transition, including their workforce; and
(d) any other related matters.
Question agreed to.
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