Vic: New extra funds enhance care for older and disabled

The funding was announced by the Australian Government Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne, and the Victorian Minister for Community Services, Gavin Jennings.

Pyne said the funding recognised the significant contribution volunteers made to the HACC program and their role in effectively delivering many of the program’s community activities and services.

“It is because of volunteers that many older people and people with disabilities in Victoria receive care services in their communities each year,” he said.

“The joint Australian Government and Victorian State Government HACC funding in Victoria has risen to more than $384 million in 2006-2007, an increase of more than 6.9 per cent. It will help more than 220,000 older people and those with a disability.”

Jennings said HACC services were vital to the quality of life for many frail older people and younger people with a disability.

“It provides basic support services that help people maintain their independence and remain living in their own homes,” he said.

“That’s why this year, the Victorian Government has invested an additional $55 million above its matching requirement with the Australian Government, taking total Australian and Victorian Government support for HACC to more than $440 million this year.”

In 2006-07 the Australian Government is providing more than $928 million to the HACC program and with state and territory contributions, a total of $1.5 billion is available nationally.