LATEST NEWS
CHSP Extended until 2029
The Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) has been extended until 30 June 2029. The Government also announced that it will be retained as a separate program to Support at Home to serve as entry-level support for older people. Consultation will begin soon on a long-term design that will be sustainable, equitable, work effectively alongside the Support at Home Program, and provide early intervention services to reduce system pressures. An open letter about the CHSP extension has also been released, from Minister for Health and Ageing, Hon Mark Butler, and Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, Hon Sam Rae.
NDIS Amendment Bill Passed in Parliament
The National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment (Securing the NDIS for Future Generations) Bill 2026 has now passed in Parliament. Now that it has royal assent, the changes will be phased and will commence in the coming weeks. There will be changes to plan reassessments, record-keeping requirements, compliance and enforcement of penalties, pricing decisions, automated administrative actions, support determinations, claiming timeframes, and more.
Regional Community Care Forum – Key Issues and Questions Raised with Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has responded to key issues and questions raised at Western Sydney Community Forum’s most recent Regional Community Care Forum, held on 19 August 2026.
Several participants raised questions about eligibility for government-funded aged care services for people under 65 years of age under the Aged Care Act 2024. Under the former Aged Care Act 1997, some people under 65 could access Commonwealth-funded aged care services where their care needs could not be appropriately met through other service systems. This included limited access to residential aged care and other aged care supports in exceptional circumstances. Under the Aged Care Act 2024, aged care is intended primarily for older Australians and eligibility requirements have become more targeted. In general, government-funded aged care services are available to:
- People aged 65 years and over;
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over; and
- People aged 50 years and over who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.
Access for people under 65 is now limited to exceptional circumstances. Stronger eligibility requirements apply to ensure age-appropriate supports, such as disability, health, housing and community services, have been considered before access to aged care services is granted.
Further information is available in the Guide to Aged Care Law – Who is eligible for aged care services
If there are any specific client enquiries, participants are welcome to provide further details and the Department can assist in directing them to the appropriate assessment and support pathways.
Relationship Indicators: Implications for Elder Abuse Action and Awareness Report
Relationships Australia has published a report following their Relationship Indicators survey, to bring insight into the relationship experiences of older people. This data was able to highlight key points that intend to support meaningful action towards ending the abuse and mistreatment of older adults in Australia.
Have Your Say: Aged Care, Disability, Leisure and Health Qualification Review
HumanAbility is seeking input from aged care workers in its evaluation of six qualifications, in order to improve training and education for direct care workers and leisure and lifestyle workers. Discussions will cover the skills and capabilities needed in the workforce, culturally safe practice, emerging trends, and supporting pathways to retention, professional development and leadership. Public consultations will continue until 19 October 2026.
Have Your Say: Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA) Program
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing is seeking feedback on the Disability Support for Older Australians (DSOA) Audit process. Data collected from this survey will inform the Department’s process of auditing organisations to ensure that money is spent appropriately and the mechanisms to report and review this are not experienced as punitive. The survey closes on 31 December 2026.
Cost Recovery Implementation Statement Available
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has now made their 2026-27 Cost Recovery Implementation Statement available. This statement includes information on current charging arrangements for providers, including fees and fee waiver criteria for provider registration, renewal and variation. It also includes proposed annual updates to fees and waiver criteria, which will apply later in the financial year once the Aged Care Rules have been amended to the new arrangements.
Help Test the New Way of NDIS Planning
The Australian Government is making changes to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and is inviting participants to test the new way of planning before the official roll-out from April 2027. Testing will ensure that issues are identified before the roll-out, and participant feedback and experiences inform the improvements made to the planning process. Participation is a voluntary and paid opportunity, and taking part in testing will not affect your current NDIS plan, funding, eligibility or supports. However, due to the nature of the testing, participation cannot be anonymous.
