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2001-02 BUDGET
ELDERLY BOOST Member for Flinders Liz Penfold said older people in the community will benefit from improved concessions. Pensioner concessions on Local Government rates will be lifted from $150 to $190 for those meeting the eligibility requirements. The concession is currently set at a rate of 60% up to a maximum of $150 a year with most receiving the maximum rebate. A concession of up to $100 on Local Government rates will be extended to self-funded retirees who hold a State Seniors Card. Mrs Penfold said an additional $2.7 million of State funding will be put into the joint State/Commonwealth Home and Community Care (HACC) Program to enable older people to remain in the community rather than entering an aged care facility. Major recipients of HACC funding include organisations such as the Royal District Nursing Service, Meals on Wheels and the Domiciliary Care Services. Mr Gerry Taylor, executive officer of West Coast Community Services, said Port Lincoln’s additional $69,000 on recurrent funding for home-based respite care will relieve pressure on services. Mrs Penfold said most older people preferred to stay in their own homes and the Government has responded to this choice. “The new funds will provide assistance with tasks that residents are no longer able to do for themselves,” she said. State HACC funding of $33.9 million is up from $31.2 million. Total funding is expected to grow by 8.5% a year to $88 million. |
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