Issue
Our Home and Community Care (HACC) funding allocation does not address the needs of our ageing population due to inequitable funding distribution.
Request
We want the State Government to review the HACC funding model and for the Minister for Ageing to work with councils in Melbourne’s north west to address healthcare issues.
Costs
We are seeking greater funding than our current $4.6 million annual allocation.
Progress of the project
We have spoken with Federal member Adam Bandt. He has suggested that he will take this information and raise the issue with the Prime Minister.
On 9 November 2011 we participated in the Werribee Community Cabinet Meetings. Cr Narelle Sharpe and Mr Tony Ball, Executive Manager Community Services met with the Hon. Mark Butler MP to advocate for HACC services for the ageing population in the City of Moonee Valley. As a result of this meeting, the Hon. Mark Butler MP has conveyed our concerns by writing to the Hon. David Davis MP, Minister for Health and Minister for Ageing.
On 10 January 2012, we received a response from the Hon. David Davis MP, Minister for Ageing.
In his letter he addressed the two issues raised, relevant to the HACC Program.
1. The Minister acknowledged that the Moonee Valley local area had experienced growth over the past few years in its HACC target population. This is a good start to get this acknowledgement, and will hopefully lead to more funding for Moonee Valley’s HACC programs.
2. In relation to assessment the Minister stated that “... the HACC program in Victoria recognises the importance of high quality assessment as the gateway to services.”
On 17 January 2012 our Mayor, Chief Executive and Tony Ball, Executive Manager Community Services met with Senator Scott Ryan, Senator for Victoria. In this meeting they not only discussed the Avondale Heights Community Precinct development but also took the opportunity to advocate on our behalf. The other topics of conversation were in relation to our advocacy projects of which the Senator received a brochure pack for further information.
Background information
The State Government allocates HACC funding using a formula based on overall population growth, rather than on demographics.
As a result, funding is disproportionately distributed to newer, growing municipalities, while more established areas like the City of Moonee Valley receive less funding to take care of its rapidly ageing population.
City of Moonee Valley has a larger ageing population compared to other younger municipalities in the north west, yet these areas receive greater HACC funding.
It is projected that 30,000 aged residents will live in the City of Moonee Valley by 2030.
Under the current funding model – coupled with the growing demand for home and community care – we will struggle to meet the needs of these community members unless the HACC funding formula is amended.
If we were successful in receiving increased HACC funding, we would use the additional support to implement an Active Service Model, which would be designed to reduce the need to access traditional HACC services over time.
Stakeholders
State Government
Department of Health and Human Services
Project partners
Neighbouring councils, Seniors groups, Local service providers