Juniper has welcomed the findings of the Senate Inquiry into the transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to Support at Home with CEO Russell Bricknell describing the report as a constructive and evidence-based roadmap for ensuring older Australians continue to receive the support they need to remain living independently.
Among its eight recommendations, the Community Affairs References Committee has proposed CHSP continues as its own program, rather than being combined with the new Support at Home system, while extending funding for an additional three years after July 2027 to allow time for consultation and co-design to occur.
The Committee also recommends the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing act straight away on recommendations made in Auditor-General Dr Caralee McLiesh’s report into how well CHSP is working.
Mr Bricknell said the Committee’s report reflected many of the concerns raised by providers across the sector, including those highlighted in Juniper’s own submission to the inquiry.
“The Committee has recognised what providers, older people and the community have been saying for some time, that while the intent of aged care reform is positive, the system is not yet sufficiently stable, flexible or resourced to support the transition of CHSP into Support at Home by July 2027,” Mr Bricknell said.
“These recommendations provide an opportunity to get the foundations right before making further structural changes that could have unintended consequences for older Australians.”
The Auditor-General’s report, released in May, found the Department does not adequately understand or monitor CHSP performance and made nine recommendations aimed at strengthening oversight, planning and accountability.
Mr Bricknell said the Committee’s support for the Auditor-General’s recommendations was particularly significant.
“Good policy depends on good data,” he added. “Before decisions are made about the future of CHSP, it is essential government has a clear understanding of demand, service availability, outcomes and performance across the program.
“The Auditor-General has identified important gaps in monitoring and evaluation, and we strongly support the recommendation that these issues be addressed as a priority.”
Other key recommendations in the Community Affairs References Committee’s report include:
- An independent cost-benefit analysis comparing the CHSP with other aged care programs, including Support at Home and residential aged care, to assess its value and future funding needs, with the findings to be publicly released.
- The Department undertake a consultation and co-design process with key stakeholders to inform the future of the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
- Eligible providers automatically receive extra funding to support services in areas where it is difficult to operate, instead of having to apply for grants.
- Removing the $15,000 lifetime limit on home modifications and creating a new funding system that better reflects people’s individual needs and circumstances.
- Removing the current limits on funding and the length of time people can access end-of-life care at home and replacing them with a flexible funding model that is based on a person’s clinical needs.
Mr Bricknell said a transparent assessment of costs, outcomes and future demand was critical to informing long-term reform.
“CHSP plays a vital preventative role by helping people remain independent and connected to their communities,” he said. “Understanding the true value of those outcomes is essential when considering any future changes to the program.”
Mr Bricknell added meaningful co-design would be critical to achieving sustainable reform.
“It’s important that those delivering care to older Australians – and older Australians receiving care – are included in all discussions around how home care is designed,” he said.
“Co-design is not simply consultation after decisions have been made. It is genuine collaboration that draws on lived experience and operational expertise to create better policy outcomes.”
Juniper’s submission to the inquiry highlighted concerns that elements of the new assessment and funding framework remain unresolved, including algorithm-driven assessments that may not accurately reflect an individual’s care needs.
The Federal Government recently acknowledged concerns about the Integrated Assessment Tool, with Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae directing the Department to undertake a rapid review, alongside an investigation by the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Mr Bricknell added: “Older Australians deserve a system that is carefully designed, evidence-based and focused on achieving the best possible outcomes. The Committee’s recommendations are an important step towards achieving that goal.”
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