Discussion around Australia’s aged care reforms continues as experts highlight key structural differences between the Commonwealth Home Support Programme and Support at Home Program. Speaking at a Senate inquiry, Professor Kathy Eagar noted that the two programs operate under fundamentally different models, making it difficult to combine them into a single system.
Professor Eagar explained that CHSP uses a grant-funded model focused on low-level and early support, while Support at Home relies on individualised funding and higher administrative requirements. She argued that CHSP could instead be revitalised as a strong “primary care” layer in aged care, providing early intervention services and support for people with lower care needs.
Strengthening entry-level support, she said, could help older Australians access assistance earlier, reduce pressure on hospitals and residential care, and create a clearer pathway through the aged care system as demand for services continues to grow.