UnitingCare Australia was pleased to appear alongside BlueCare at the public hearing on 6 February 2026 as part of the Senate Inquiry into the Transition of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) to the Support at Home Program, conducted by the Community Affairs References Committee.

The CHSP currently provides essential entry level support to thousands of older Australians, enabling them to remain independent, socially connected, and living safely in their own homes. As the Government considers its transition to the Support at Home model, UnitingCare Australia urged the need for a considered approach that protects continuity of care.

This inquiry was an important opportunity to ensure the voices of vulnerable older Australians are heard as the Government contemplates the future of in-home aged care.

In its recent submission to the Inquiry, UnitingCare Australia outlined that the proposed reform warrants a phased transition – beginning no earlier than mid-2028, followed by a staged rollout over two to three years. This would allow any unintended consequences to be identified and addressed and give supporting systems time to stabilise before a full shift to the new model is completed.

The UnitingCare Australia Aged Care Network delivers services to approximately 54,000 CHSP clients nationwide, including nearly 23,000 CHSP clients supported through BlueCare in Queensland.

“As an entry point to aged care, CHSP clients represent the majority proportion of older Australians accessing home care services to help keep them well, and remain independent,” said BlueCare Acting Group Executive, Maria McLaughlin-Rolfe. “Continuity of care for this large cohort is critical, and that’s why a cautious, phased transition, underpinned by a clear national roadmap is needed – to give certainty to clients, providers and aged care workers.”

UnitingCare Australia urged the Government to strengthen and adequately fund the CHSP during this reform period, ensuring it remains a viable entry level program capable of sustaining high-quality care for older Australians while longer-term changes are implemented.

UnitingCare Australia remains committed to working with Government and the UnitingCare Aged Care Network to ensure aged care reforms of this scale are delivered in a way that leaves no one behind, and that every older Australian continues to receive the support they need to live well at home and with dignity.

About UnitingCare Australia

UnitingCare Australia is the national body for the Uniting Church’s community services network and an agency of the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia. Through advocacy and by strengthening service provision, UnitingCare Australia gives voice to the Uniting Church’s commitment to social justice.

The UnitingCare Network is the largest network of social service providers in Australia, delivering 5.8 million interactions annually across 1,600 service locations in urban, rural, and remote communities, with over 55,000 staff and 17,000 volunteers.