HACC funding announcements for Vic and Qld

The Minister for Mental Health and Ageing, Mark Butler has announced new ongoing funding initiatives to support older people and people with disabilities in Victoria and Queeensland.

Mr Butler announced a $5.4 million program to help older Victorians and people with disabilities to adapt their homes to prepare for extreme weather conditions and climate change.

The joint announcement was made with Victoria’s Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville, as part of the Home and Community Care (HACC) program.

The funding will go towards installing water recycling systems, water saving devices and low emission temperature control measures.

It will also be used to help service providers to implement a restorative approach to service delivery for older people, through the Victorian Active Service Model.

“This model involves people in setting their own goals and making decisions about their care and it provides timely and flexible services,” said Ms Neville.

“It promotes a ‘doing with’ not ‘doing for’ approach, so that older people can maintain their independence.”

Mr Butler also joined Queensland’s Disability Services Minister, Annastacia Palaszczuk to announce more than $50 million in funding for the sunshine state’s HACC programs.

A major component of the latest funding announcement is a $7 million program that will deliver major and minor home modifications throughout Queensland.

“Almost 5,000 Queenslanders are set to benefit from these modifications,” said Ms Palaszczuk.

“The bottom line is, this funding can mean the difference between living at home independently, or with loved ones, or having to live in a care home.”

Mr Butler used the announcements to restate the Gillard Government’s commitment to the HACC program.

“We are committed to ensuring more people can remain independent in their own homes
and communities, close to friends and family for as long as possible,” he said.