The Albanese Government has announced a backflip on plans to impose a 52-hour per year cap on cleaning and 18-hour per year cap on gardening for recipients of Support at Home services.
The plan, contained in the Aged Care Bill 2024 which was released for consultation in September, has attracted widespread criticism from stakeholders, including in Senate Inquiry hearings held around the country last month.
Health and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler was grilled on ABC Radio Adelaide last week about the caps, and revealed they were "under deep consideration by the Government".
Advocacy against the proposal "forced the Government's hand", Senator Ruston said. The proposal was "ridiculous", Shadow Minister for Aged Care Anne Ruston told ABC Radio Adelaide.
In the Senate Inquiry Report, the Coalition recommended the caps be reviewed.
In a statement, Aged Care Minister Anika Wells said the absence of caps on gardening and cleaning, which until yesterday had been the Government's policy, would be "helping the growing number of older Australians choosing to retain their independence at home".
“We heard clear feedback during the Community Affairs Inquiry that older Australians want greater flexibility in the aged care they receive," the Minister said.
“Cap-free cleaning and gardening services will enable older Australians to live safely and comfortably in their own homes."
The Government nor the Minister gave any indication of what cost this would incur the taxpayer. The reform has previously been counted at $5.6 billion.
