Thousands of older people and people with a disability in Western Australia are set to benefit from a $12 million boost in funding for Home and Community Care services in the state.
The extra funding for 2006-07 was announced today by the Australian Government Minister for Ageing, Senator Santo Santoro, and the West Australian Minister for Health, Jim McGinty.
“Western Australia?s total Home and Community Care program funding for 2006-07 will rise by 8.5 per cent to $153 million as a result,” Senator Santoro said in Perth today.
“The Australian Government has contributed $92.9 million and the state government $60.1 million.
“This program has been supporting older Australians, younger people with disabilities and their carers since 1985 and is a fundamental component of the Australian Government’s aged care policy.
“Without services such as respite care, domestic assistance, or transport services, many people would be faced with the prospect of having to move prematurely into residential aged care facilities or other accommodation options,” he said.
Mr McGinty said the additional funds would help more people maintain their independence by continuing to live within their community, as most people wish to do.
“In Western Australia, we will be targeting this funding to expand existing services and establish new services in identified priority areas of need. This will include increased services for Aboriginal people and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds,” Mr McGinty