Member for Mallee Anne Webster has called on Labor’s Aged Care Minister Sam Rae to urgently intervene after Commonwealth Home Support Programme funding changes left older residents in the Grampians facing the loss of vital home maintenance and gardening services.

‘Older Australians should not be left feeling they cannot remain in their own homes because Labor has shifted much needed funding away from trusted local providers without making sure services will actually continue,’ Dr Webster said.

‘Minister Rae cannot wash his hands of this. His department’s decisions are now causing real distress for older people in a bushfire-prone region who rely on basic gardening and maintenance support to stay safe, independent and at home.’

Dr Webster said her office had been contacted by distressed Southern Wimmera residents who fear they may be forced from their homes because they cannot manage essential maintenance without assistance.

‘This is exactly what happens when Canberra makes decisions for regional communities instead of with them,’ Dr Webster said.

Grampians Community Health has advised that all CHSP-funded gardening and home maintenance services for nominated clients will be limited to two hours per year from 1 August 2026.

GCH General Manager of Aged ad Disability Kate Astbury said, ‘Historically, we have continued to provide services beyond funded hours, often at a significant financial loss, to ensure clients maintained safe access to their homes and to support bushfire preparedness and recovery following recent bushfire events’.

‘Our concern is for the older people in our community who rely on these services. We have an ageing population and access to essential home maintenance support should not depend on where someone lives. A postcode should never determine whether an older Australian can receive the services they need to stay safely and independently in their own home,’ Ms Astbury said.

‘The decision to limit the services of gardening and home maintenance has been taken out of our hands, as interstate providers have been allocated funding for this region, and don't appear to have a local presence,’ Ms Astbury added

The loss comes as Northern Grampians Shire Council is also exiting service delivery because it does not have the capacity to continue long term.

‘Minister Rae needs to pick up the phone, engage directly with Grampians Community Health and affected residents, and guarantee that no older person is left without the practical support they need to remain safe at home,’ Dr Webster said.