Council Makes In-Principle Decision on Aged Care Services
Publish Date: 21 February 2023
Buloke Shire Council has made an in-principle decision to
withdraw from its Commonwealth Government funded role for home support service
provision for aged care and people with a disability. This in-principle
decision will trigger a process of thorough consultation with impacted
stakeholders to inform a final decision.
The provision of these services has been
an important part of the Buloke Shire Council’s operations for nearing 40
years, however with the comprehensive changes to be introduced as the Commonwealth
Government progressively reforms the national aged care system, Council has
reviewed its position and taken an in-principle decision to exit service.
The reforms focus on the improvement of
quality, safety and choice in aged care services. They address the need to
simplify the process for clients, improve the standard of care and provide
clients and carers alike with more choice and control.
Council has carefully considered the
options available as a result of the significant reforms and has taken an
in-principle decision to trigger this period of consultation. This process
begins with discussions and feedback regarding the proposed changes with
affected staff and their representatives as well as clients, families, and the
broader community to ensure all feedback is received and collated to inform a
final decision.
It is proposed that Council will receive
a further report on this matter on Wednesday 12 April 2023, this report will
include:
•
Feedback and other
information received through consultation with affected staff
•
Feedback and a
summary of interactions with clients and families
•
Broader
communications and feedback with community and stakeholder groups
•
Any updates from
the Commonwealth and Victorian governments
Please note that until a decision is
confirmed, and future provider transition arrangements agreed there is no
change to the employment status of affected staff or clients.
Council is committed to genuine
consultation with staff and other stakeholders and will invest in processes and
structures to enable this to occur over the coming weeks.
The formal consultation period will close
on Friday 17 March 2023 to enable the preparation of a Council report to the
April Council Meeting.
Should Council confirm its in-principle
decision to exit service provision following stakeholder consultation, an
intensive period of transition planning will occur with the newly appointed
provider/s to determine a process that does not compromise ongoing services to
clients.
The Commonwealth government will be the
final decision maker to determine which providers are appointed to the Buloke
area.
Further information on the consultation
will be made available by Buloke Shire Council through its normal media
channels.
Have Your Say on the proposed changes.