Council
3 October, 2025
Price changes for ‘Support at Home’
MOYNE Shire Council has endorsed new unit prices for services delivered under the Support at Home program, to take effect from November 1, 2025.
The changes are required as part of the Commonwealth Government’s new Aged Care Act, which will transition the existing Home Care Package program to the new Support at Home program.
Moyne Shire mayor Cr Karen Foster said the reforms represent a significant shift in how services are funded and delivered.
“These are Commonwealth-led changes, and all councils and providers across Australia must adapt,” she said.
“Importantly, these changes are designed to ensure the sustainability of home care services for the long-term.”
Under the new framework, all service delivery costs, including business overheads, must be built into the hourly or per-unit price.
This replaces the previous system where providers could recover some of these costs through a 15 per cent package management fee.
Council’s review found that its current unit prices are well below national benchmarks and do not reflect the true cost of delivering services.
For example, domestic assistance is currently charged at $60 per hour in Moyne, compared to a national median of $95.
“Council has worked closely with financial experts and the Service Development Assistance Panel to analyse the impacts and determine the fairest approach,” Cr Foster said.
“Aligning our pricing with national medians ensures that we can continue to deliver high-quality services without shifting the cost burden onto ratepayers.”
The changes do not represent direct out-of-pocket expenses for clients who have been with Moyne prior to September 12, 2024.
Costs are deducted from clients’ care packages, which are funded by the Commonwealth Government and administered by Services Australia.
The change in pricing may mean some adjustment to ensure clients receive the care they need.
Care Partners will continue to review care plans and support clients to seek higher-level packages if required.
The reforms also introduce client contributions for individuals who entered the program from September 12, 2024.
Contributions will be means tested and applied as a percentage of the service price.
However, existing clients with packages prior to that date will be protected under a ‘no worse off’ arrangement and will not be required to contribute.
“We want to reassure our community that support will be in place for anyone experiencing hardship, and our Care Partners will work directly with clients to minimise any impacts,” Cr Foster said.
Aligning prices with national medians ensures council can continue to provide valued home care services into the future.
“Home care services play a vital role in keeping people well, connected and living independently at home for longer,” Cr Foster said.
“Let’s remember, these are often some of our most vulnerable residents.
“By making these necessary changes, we are safeguarding the future of these services for our ageing community.”
Clients will be contacted directly by council staff to explain the changes and provide tailored support.
