ADDITIONAL $800,000 FOR ACT 
HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAM

People with a disability, frail older people and their carers within the ACT will benefit from additional support services announced in the ACT Government's 2005-06 budget.

"The ACT Government has allocated an additional $800,000 for the Home and Community Care (HACC) program in the ACT," Health Minister Simon Corbell said. 

"The $800,000 is the ACT component of the shared program, as this program is jointly funded by the ACT Government together with the Commonwealth.

“The additional money will make a great difference by helping to support people to remain in their own homes and the community.’’

HACC provides a range of services targeted to support the frail aged and younger people with a disability and the carers of these people.

“The services provided under the HACC program are essential in keeping people supported in their own homes," Mr Corbell said. 

"Without this support they would need to move into a hostel, nursing home or other institution.”

Mr Corbell said the Government supported the right of people to choose where they live and has allocated this funding to provide the basic supports people need to remain at home.

“These services include meals on wheels, community transport, domestic assistance, personal care, respite care and social support,” he said.

“They are essential services, especially when our population of those over 65 years in the ACT is expected to triple between 1998 and 2051.”

The increase in funding will take the total spending in the ACT HACC program to more than $20 million per year.
Statement ends