With significant changes to aged care legislation being introduced Bundaberg Regional Council has resolved to transition out of the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
Council has been a provider of Commonwealth Home Support Services for more than 25 years, funded through the Australian Government, with the current agreement due to end on 30 June 2025.
The programs operate across the region including Gracie Dixon Centre (Bundaberg), Isis Community Care (Childers), Childers Meals on Wheels and Kolan Community Options (Gin Gin).
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) will transition to the Support at Home program on or after 1 July 2025.
This change aims to improve aged care services for older Australians.
The reforms will change in-home aged care, including the CHSP from 1 July 2025, through:
- a new Aged Care Act, which will start from 1 July 2025
- Support at Home will replace Home Care packages
- CHSP will transition to Support at Home from 1 July 2027
Bundaberg Region Mayor Helen Blackburn said, given the ongoing changes to legislation, a specific aged care provider would be better placed to manage the Commonwealth Home Support Program changes and transitions moving forward.
“Council will be working closely with the Department of Social Services on a transition plan over a minimum period of five months to ensure a smooth transition for clients and continuity of care services to a new provider,” Mayor Blackburn said.
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth and respectful transition for the clients who currently access these services.
“Council will be working diligently to ensure no resident currently accessing services will be left without support.”
Mayor Blackburn said Council originally entered this space over 25 years ago as there was a real shortage of aged care support, particularly in the region’s hinterland areas.
“This is not a cost saving exercise for Council as these services were funded by the Federal Government,” the Mayor explained.
“We are exiting this activity due to legislative changes that make it very difficult for council to continue to undertake it.
“We’re proud of the role we’ve played for many years however there are now many highly capable, specialised service providers operating in the Bundaberg Region who are better placed to manage the upcoming changes brought about by the new Aged Care Act.
“This is about setting up our community for the best possible care into the future, with providers who are solely focused on aged care delivery.”
In its Ordinary Meeting of 29 April 2025 Bundaberg Regional Council resolved that the Chief Executive Officer be authorised to notify the Department of Social Services of Council’s intent to transition out of the Commonwealth Home Support Program and enter a short-term agreement if required to ensure a smooth transition for clients to a new provider.
Council has written to all current clients to keep them informed throughout this process.
