Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services) Share this | Hansard source

At this point in time there are no price controls with respect to the delivery of home-care services. The issue of cost, as I've indicated, is one that we're concerned about. We're watching it very closely. I'd be very disappointed if providers were to pass on costs. You would be aware, through the report that the Aged Care Financing Authority provided to us, the view is that the sector should be able to manage this process. We are concerned about some smaller providers, particularly in regional areas, that might have additional costs in relation to this. We have a limited qualification program in place to assist those providers through that. We don't want to see loss of services as a result of this review. There is discussion with respect to the technology that might be required to be taken up. To be frank, my view is that the take-up of technology would (a) be a good thing (b) provide some efficiencies for providers and (c) facilitate better reporting both to us and to consumers. We will be using this information in the interests of consumers, because, as I said, we are clearly concerned about that.