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

I was just seeking further information to check in terms of the response to the royal commission—I just don't have that information available at my fingertips—but the government certainly recognises that people over the age of 65 who require additional support, particularly with home modifications or assisted technology like walkers, wheelchairs and other equipment, should have these provided. Under the Support at Home scheme, we believe there will be a significant improvement and an increase in care and support that will be able to be provided to people over the age of 65 who are participants in the Support at Home scheme.

If I talk to your amendment at the same time as trying to answer your question, the Support at Home scheme will include more tailored support with those eight ongoing levels all the way up to $78,000 a year. There will be support for home modifications with up to $15,000 to make homes safer. There will be fast and better access to assisted technology. There will be a new equipment loan scheme. And if someone needs assistive technology or equipment over the $15,000 cap then it can be prescribed and provided. So assisted technology is practically uncapped if a person is in need of that extra support. We recognise this has been a difference between those under 65 and those over 65, and we believe the new Support at Home scheme is a significant improvement and increase in the care and support that will be provided to people at home. As such, we won't be supporting your amendment.