Australia extends Commonwealth Home Support Program funding to 2029

The Australian Federal Government has extended the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) until June 30, 2029, abandoning previous plans to merge the initiative into the Support at Home program. The decision provides funding certainty for more than 830,000 seniors who rely on low-level services such as Meals on Wheels, transport, cleaning, and home maintenance.

Health Minister Mark Butler stated the government listened to community concerns regarding the program's future. While the CHSP will remain a standalone program for now, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors Sam Rae announced that consultation on a redesigned version of the program will begin within the next month to address existing gaps in the system.

Various stakeholders have reacted to the announcement. Local Government NSW welcomed the move, noting it provides stability for regional and rural councils that often fill service gaps. Catholic Health Australia also called the decision prudent, arguing that keeping CHSP separate from Support at Home allows each to serve its specific purpose. However, critics such as former acting inspector-general of aged care Ian Yates have characterized the broader aged care overhaul as a failure, citing concerns over budget constraints and assessment tools.