Funding boost for HACC in WA

Australian Government Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne, and Western Australian Minister for Health, Jim McGinty, have announced the release of around $922,000 to support Home and Community Care (HACC) services in Western Australia.

The funding includes around $215,000 for the building of a new centre-based day care centre in Broome and nearly $82,000 to fund a state-wide Aboriginal Advocacy Project.

HACC is jointly funded in WA by the Australian Government and the state government to provide a variety of services such as domestic assistance, delivered meals, and respite care to the frail aged, people with disabilities and their carers in their own homes.

The Australian Government contribution of $92.89 million together with the state government’s contribution of $60.16 million represents an overall increase of 8.52% for the HACC program in WA in 2006-07.

“The HACC program continues to be a central element of the Australian Government’s aged care policy,” Mr Pyne said.

“HACC services such as respite, social support and transport are supporting those members of our community who need assistance to remain in their own homes.”

Mr McGinty said HACC-funded agencies played an important role in providing basic support services and strengthening communities across WA.

“In WA these additional funds will enable the aged or people with a functional disability to maintain their independence and continue to live in the community for as long as possible,” Mr McGinty said.

“The HACC program can make the difference between living comfortably at home or moving prematurely into an aged care facility.

“Each year HACC providers can apply for additional funding to improve the service they provide to their clients.

“This year we selected proposals that would expand existing services or establish new services in identified priority areas of need. These include increased services for Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.”