There is no maximum cap on what an older person has to pay for services under Australia’s new Support at Home program. I argued at the Senate Inquiry that fees should be capped at 10% of fortnightly income. The government was not interested. Do we really want old people living in poverty?
For personal care, a full pensioner will pay $5/day or $35/week, a self-funded retiree will pay $50 or $350 a week. Add cleaning, meals & transport & costs soon add up to become unaffordable for people on limited incomes. Having to choose between a meal & shower is not ok in 21st century Australia.
Dec 16, 2025 21:21
