2026-04-22
The Greens say that Labor’s announcement today that it will unwind its disastrous co-payment model for in-home showering, dressing and continence care is a win for older people, but shouldn’t come at the expense of cuts to other essential services.
On the same day that Labor reversed its decision to gouge older people for essential in-home supports – after a concerted campaign from older people, their families and advocates – Labor is slashing the NDIS and making life harder for disabled people.
Meanwhile, the gap between the 1% and the 99% grows wider, while Labor’s leaving $17 billion on the table by failing to properly tax profiteering gas corporations.
Comments attributable to Greens spokesperson on older people and Chair of the Senate inquiry into the Support at Home scheme, Senator Penny Allman-Payne:
“There are thousands of older people and their families around the country right now who will be celebrating Labor’s co-payments backflip, as they should.
“The Greens warned Labor that jacking up out-of-pocket costs would mean people would miss out on essential home care. We were the only ones to vote against the changes in 2024 and we’ve been campaigning alongside older people and their advocates against the co-payments since.
“But it’s extraordinary to see the government backflip on their disgraceful aged care co-pay model on the same day they announce a plan to cut people from NDIS plans.
“This country must care for older people and disabled people – not pit them against each other. It shouldn’t be a zero-sum game. If Labor has a cash flow problem, they need to show a spine and stand up to the big corporations making obscene profits and paying no tax, starting with the $17 billion Australians are owed from gas corporations.
“Labor's plan to make aged care more ‘sustainable’ by shifting costs onto older people and rationing care is coming undone. They've been forced by the Senate to release more packages, the Ombudsman is investigating their dodgy algorithm and now they're winding back co-payments.
“The government should be doing everything it can to provide older people and people with disabilities the support and care they need to live rich and full lives – not targeting them for budget repair while the 1% grow richer.”