Funding under HACC for services for frail aged and disabled younger people

19/6/96

Frail older people, younger people with disabilities and carers will benefit from $9 million in funding announced today by Federal Minister for Family Services Judi Moylan and Western Australian Health Minister Kevin Prince.

The Home and Community Care Program (HACC) provides a range of important services, including home nursing, home help, home maintenance, respite care, delivered meals and transport.

"HACC services are vital for many in our community," Mrs Moylan said.

"In many cases, this program means frail older members of our community and those with disabilities can live in dignity and security at home.

"This additional funding will ensure that services are more widely available across the whole community, helping to improve the quality of life for clients."

Approximately $4.2 million has been allocated on a recurrent basis for new and existing services, increasing the level of direct care and support services in the State.

"Of this, $1 million targets services in country regions of WA, providing greater equity in funding between metropolitan and country regions," Mr Prince said.

"Services will also benefit from $4.7 million in one-off grants for such purposes as construction of new facilities and the purchase of equipment including buses, cars, furniture and computer equipment.

"These grants will result in more responsive service provision to meet the growing demands within the State."

There are 182 existing and new projects which will benefit from this funding.

"Both the Federal and WA Governments are committed to guaranteeing that the network of community services used by vulnerable members of the community are maintained," Mrs Moylan said.

Media contacts: Martine Haley (Mrs Moylan's office) (06) 277 7240 Amanda O'Brien (Mr Prince's office) (09) 222 9595