As costs rise and demand for meals through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) increases, the Albanese Government has pledged an additional $37 million in funding for the services over the next three years.
From 1 January 2025, all CHSP meals providers, such as Meals on Wheels, will receive a 10% cost-of-living top up of their 2024-25 meal funding.
The funding is said to be going to more than 500 aged care meals providers, and will take the Government’s annual investment in CHSP meal services to $131.64 million, more than $250,000 per meals provider.
Aged & Community Care Providers Association (ACCPA) said the boost is welcome, but "further action is needed" to address "rising costs and ensure the sustainability of CHSP services".
“The new Aged Care Act will have significant implications for CHSP providers. We need to make sure CHSP providers aren’t left behind and we continue to urge the Department to work closely with the sector on program design and changes,” ACCPA CEO Tom Symondson also said.
The CHSP supports more than 835,000 older Australians with access to entry-level aged care services, including meals delivery.
Rising costs have threatened the operations of some Meals on Wheels kitchens, according to recent media reports.
