Sector welcomes CHSP extension but says reform remains essential

Aged care providers, consumer advocates and geriatricians have welcomed the decision to retain the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) as a standalone program and extend it until June 2029, describing the move as a significant win for older Australians and community-based care.

The Albanese government’s announcement follows months of growing pressure from across the aged care sector, including recommendations from a Senate inquiry and advocacy from the CHSP Alliance, which argued the program should not be absorbed into the government's Support at Home model.

Ageing Australia chief executive Tom Symondson said the decision delivers certainty for both older Australians and the organisations supporting them.

“CHSP supports more older Australians than any other single program, so it’s vital older people have certainty that these services will continue,” he said.

“As an entry-level program, CHSP helps older people remain in their homes for longer and helps them maintain their independence and live fulfilling lives in their own communities.”

Mr Symondson said providers had consistently warned that uncertainty surrounding the future of CHSP was creating operational challenges.

“Providers need that certainty to keep the services running. Without it, many have been forced to consider closure or service reductions. I hope that much of that can be avoided with today’s announcement.”

Support across the sector

The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) also welcomed the decision, describing it as a sensible outcome that provides continuity for older people while allowing time for further consultation.

OPAN chief executive Craig Gear said more work was needed before major changes to the program could occur.

“We welcome this decision as further consultation, collaboration and co-design with older people and the aged care sector is needed by the government before reform to the standalone program can occur,” he said.

“The decision also gives CHSP providers certainty, allowing them to remain in the market and plan their services into the future.”

However, Mr Gear warned that extending the program would not address all challenges facing older Australians seeking support.

“There is also an urgent need for increased investment in CHSP now so that it meets its objectives. OPAN member advocates continue to hear from older people who have been approved for CHSP but cannot access services, with providers telling them their books are full or closing.”

The Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine (ANZSGM), a foundation member of the CHSP Alliance, also backed the government’s decision.

ANZSGM president Professor Sue Kurrle said community-based support plays a critical role in helping older people maintain their independence.

“For many older people, relatively modest support at the right time can make a real difference to their ability to remain independent and continue living well at home,” she said.

“Geriatricians see the consequences when that support is delayed or unavailable. People’s needs can become more complex, sometimes resulting in preventable functional decline, hospitalisation or the need for a higher level of care.”

Focus shifts to long-term reform

While welcoming the extension, those in the sector are now focused on what happens next.

The government has indicated it will consult on the future design of CHSP, including the role of block funding, its relationship with Support at Home and how early intervention services can be strengthened.

Professor Kurrle said the extension creates an opportunity to improve the way the available services work together.

“Retaining CHSP as a distinct program gives us an opportunity to strengthen that early support and build better connections between community aged care, primary care and specialist health services,” she said.

Across the sector, there appears to be consensus that retaining CHSP is only the first step. Providers, advocates and clinicians are now calling on the government to use the next three years to address funding pressures, improve access to services, and design a sustainable long-term future for the program that supports older Australians to remain independent and age well in their communities.