Tuesday, 2 May 2023

Members statements

Commonwealth home support program

Sonja TERPSTRA (North-Eastern Metropolitan) (14:44): I rise to update the house on recent circumstances regarding the Commonwealth home support program. It is disappointing to hear that Manningham council have decided in principle to transition out of providing the Commonwealth home support program from October 2023, leaving over 2000 aged residents across Manningham with an uncertain future and the potential for 112 staff to lose their jobs. This is a sizeable job cut. Council’s response to this situation is very uncaring. Many recipients in Manningham require specifically tailored in-home care, which will only add to the strain on carers who are tending to the needs of elderly family members. It is a very short-sighted decision. I expect that Manningham council should be fully complying with their industrial obligations in consulting with affected staff and their union. I hope that every effort is being made by Manningham council to save as many jobs as possible. I urge Manningham council to reconsider their in-principle decision to opt out of the Commonwealth home support program and commit to ongoing service provision of this important service for elderly Manningham residents in their time of need.