Burrangiri respite care cut under Support at Home: Senator Pocock

Despite a $10 million election commitment from the Albanese Government, access to respite services at the Salvation Army-operated Burrangiri Aged Care Respite Centre, in Rivett in the ACT, has worsened since the introduction of Support at Home.

Respite care should be available under the Governments new Support at Home program.

However, Independent ACT Senator David Pocock said people previously accessing Burrangiri with their Home Care Package were no longer able to do so under the new home care regime.

Older Canberrans have been told they can access residential aged care respite, but there are few beds available and that is not many locals' preference.

Senator Pocock told The Weekly SOURCE: “Older Australians are experiencing a net reduction in support” under Support at Home. “The fact that people now can’t access Burrangiri after the changes is just one example.”

There is also uncertainty about the future of Burrangiri, despite the Federal Government's election pledge. Last year, there were fears that the home would close amid concerns it was no longer fit for purpose.

The ACT Government said it is working closely with the Salvation Army regarding Burrangiri and no decision has been made about a refurbishment or building a new purpose-built facility.

Senator Pocock's questions on notice placed at Senate Estimates in December last year about respite care in the ACT remain unanswered.

The Senator has also addressed questions to Health, Disability and Aged Care Minister Mark Butler on the issue but he has not received a response.

The Albanese government came to power promising to govern with transparency.