Published on 29 April 2021
Borough of Queenscliffe Councillors have declared their support for the continued operation of Council’s aged care service, after an independent review found strong public support.
Following the Australian Government’s announcement of changes to the way it will provide funding support for aged care, the Borough of Queenscliffe undertook a review of the aged care services it provides. Councillors considered the results of this review alongside an officer’s report at the 28 April Council meeting. In light of the strong support clients and the community shared for the service, Councillors declared their support for the continued delivery of home care services. Council also resolved to update its review of aged care services after the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety is completed in 2024.
“Council-provided aged care is one of our most popular public services, and for me personally, one of our most important,” said Mayor Ross Ebbels after the meeting. “My fellow councillors and myself have received many calls and emails supporting the work council does in aged care, and last night, this Council made a strong commitment to continuing to provide those services.”
Council’s review was conducted by an independent consultant, and examined the financial sustainability of the service, impacts of proposed changes, and public support for the different options available. Aged care clients and members of the public had the opportunity to participate in the review, with Council hearing from more than 200 participants during public consultation.