Scott Morrison hopes to secure seniors’ vote with $100m funding boost to services

OLDER Australians will enjoy better access to support services such as food preparation, gardening, podiatry and physiotherapy though a $100 million funding boost as the government moves to shore up seniors’ votes.

• NSW seniors numbers increasing
• Retirement age to fall for younger Aussies

OLDER Australians will enjoy better access to support services such as food preparation, gardening, podiatry and physiotherapy though a $100 million funding boost as the government moves to shore up seniors’ votes.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison will today announce the cash injection into a program that provides basic support for older people who need assistance to keep living independently in their own homes.

Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt said the extra funding to be handed out over the next two years was in addition to funding for the sector announced in the May Budget.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison visiting a construction site during his trip to Perth yesterday. Picture: AAP Image/ Will Russell

Aged Minister Care Ken Wyatt said their government is committed to giving seniors more choices. Picture: Kym Smith

“Our ageing population and the evolving needs and wishes of senior Australians are driving an increasing demand for home-based services,” he said.

“This is about giving senior Australians more certainty, more options and more independence.

“Our government is committed to giving senior Australians as many choices as possible to remain living in the security of the homes they love, close to their families and connected with their communities.”

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The money will be used to fund growth areas under the Commonwealth Home Support Program including cleaning and laundry, general repairs, modifications such as alarms, ramps and support rails, transport for shopping and appointments and meal preparation.

It comes as aged care is set to be put under a spotlight after the government’s decision to hold a royal commission into the sector.

About 800,000 Australians access support services under the program, which was available to people aged over 65 and for indigenous people over 50 as well as people at risk of homelessness.

The $100 million funding boost will go to a number of services under the Commonwealth Home Support Program. Picture: Supplied

Mr Morrison will make the announcement during his visit to Western Australia where the government hopes to shore up support in five marginal seats ahead of the election.

The Prime Minister yesterday said the government would legislate its proposed changes to the GST, including putting in a floor that would make sure each state got back at least 70 cents for every dollar of GST paid.

Mr Morrison also revealed that he still speaks regularly to his predecessor after Malcolm Turnbull was caught on tape calling two former PMs “embittered, miserable ghosts”.

He said Mr Turnbull had represented Australia at a UN forum at his request.

“He’s made that pretty clear and he’s not interested in offering political commentary, but he still has a lot to offer the country,” Mr Morrison said.

“I have no doubt he will make a big contribution in his post-political career.”