NATSIAACC has made a submission to the Senate Inquiry examining the transition from the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) to the Support at Home (SaH) Program, emphasising the importance of reform that strengthens, rather than disrupts culturally safe access to care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and Older People.

Our submission highlights the critical role CHSP currently plays as a trusted, community-based entry point to Ageing and Aged Care, particularly in regional, rural, remote and thin-market contexts. Without appropriate safeguards, the transition to SaH risks reducing continuity of care, destabilising community-controlled Providers and increasing barriers for Elders and older People who already face systemic access challenges.

NATSIAACC recommends a staged, opt-in and place-based transition approach, guaranteed continuity of CHSP-equivalent supports during transition periods, investment in culturally safe navigation and assessment pathways delivered through Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, and greater flexibility in funding settings such as home-modification caps and end-of-life support arrangements.

Click here to download a copy of NATSIAACC’s Submission.