More respite money
The Minister for Ageing announces a set of one-off grants for carer respite programs.
The Commonwealth Government today announced an extra $6.9 million in one-off funding for community-based respite and carer support services.
The Minister for Ageing, Justine Elliot said the grants will be distributed through the National Respite for Carers and Commonwealth Carelink programs.
The Department of Health and Ageing estimates that 130,000 carers use the programs each year, receiving respite care, counseling, carer information and planning support.
These one-off grants come on top of the $420 million in funding for respite programs announced two weeks ago.
Mrs Elliot said the grants would be greatly appreciated.
“The extra funding will also provide essential one-off expenses such as the purchase or replacement of equipment.
The money will be used to provide essential temporary expenses such as the purchase of replacement of equipment
“[It] will help improve client safety and comfort – through building modifications, the provision of wheelchairs and a range of other service improvements,” said Mrs Elliot.
“The Federal Government is committed to building a modern Australia, capable of tackling the challenges of the 21st century,” she said.
