Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Walsh for the question. This new system will respond to the feedback we have received through the taskforce and other reports about what older Australians want. Increasingly, they want freedom, support and choice to remain in the home and the community they love.

There will be 1.4 million Australians who will have the opportunity to stay in their homes for longer through a new program called Support at Home. That program will start next year and will help older Australians to age at home. Support at Home will cut wait times to receive in-home aged-care services. It will deliver more tailored support, increasing levels of ongoing care from levels 4 to 8. It will ensure fast access to assistive technology like walkers and wheelchairs, and increase the maximum support available from $61,000 to $78,000. Support at Home will offer a temporary boost through more transitional assistance. It will also provide access to palliative care, which is so important for older Australians.