The Australian Government is developing options to ensure the Home Care Packages program is fully established on Norfolk Island to better support our residents. I want to keep you updated as we go through this process.
Home Care Packages (HCP) provide eligible older Australians access to affordable home care and assistance services– ranging from personal care and nursing, to specialised in home support including modifications and assistive equipment.
Eligibility for the packages requires assessment and approval by an Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT).
As some community members may be aware, while we currently have an ACAT assessor on Island, there have not been ACAT delegate arrangements in place.
I am working closely with the Department of Infrastructure to establish delegate arrangements as soon as possible. My intention is to work with the Commonwealth Department of Health to approach jurisdictions outside New South Wales to perform the ACAT delegate function.
In line with the Community Engagement Framework, we are seeking feedback from the community on our plans to engage other health jurisdictions, given our shared priority to ensure the residents of the Norfolk Island community are best supported in their homes.
I value your views on this issue. If you would like to get in touch, please contact my office to organise a time to meet with me or send me through an email, via office.administrator@regional.gov.au or phone 22152.
I would like to emphasise this process to secure an ACAT delegate through another jurisdiction is separate to the broader state services transition work in relation to NSW not delivering health services past June 2021. Our aim is to ensure services delivery on Norfolk Island is uninterrupted, reliable and the highest possible standard.
Eric Hutchinson
July 2019