Penny Allman-Payne (Queensland, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to 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.