The peak body for local government across NSW has welcomed the Australian government’s decision to retain the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) as a standalone program and extend funding certainty until 30 June 2029.

Mayor Darcy Byrne, president of LGNSW, described the announcement as a significant victory for councils, older people and regional communities and a major advocacy win for the peak body.

The announcement delivers on a key pillar of LGNSW’s Caring for our Regions campaign, which highlighted the importance of investing in community-based aged care and supporting older people to age in place in regional and rural NSW.

“This is a major win for NSW councils, regional communities and older people who want to remain living independently in their own homes,” mayor Byrne said.

“LGNSW called on the Commonwealth to retain and modernise the Commonwealth Home Support Program, and we’re pleased that call has been heard.

“This decision gives much-needed certainty to the 36 NSW councils that continue to deliver CHSP services, many of them in communities where there is no alternative aged care provider.

“Councils provide essential services to their elderly residents including community transport, meals, social support, domestic assistance and home modifications. These services help older residents age in place and avoid unnecessary hospital or residential aged care admissions.

Mayor Byrne said the announcement would be particularly important for regional, rural and remote NSW.

“Many councils fill service gaps because there is simply nobody else available to provide these services.

“The Commonwealth should use this extension period to build on this positive development by addressing the higher costs faced by providers in regional and rural communities, and ensure older Australians are not left worse off by any future changes,” he said.

Earlier this year, LGNSW urged the Commonwealth to retain and modernise the CHSP rather than absorb it into the Support at Home program, warning that many councils may be forced to exit aged care services if block funding for services was removed.