Page 1463 - Week 08 - Tuesday, 26 September 1989
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institutions. Governments - both the Federal Government and ours - save money through the HACC program, yet I trust that we are all most careful to see that we are not looking to make savings. I ask that the criterion not be that of cost-effectiveness. To me, the term "cost-effectiveness" in these programs suggests that there is probably, perhaps certainly, more scope for further expenditure savings. If we are saving money, let us turn it around into some of these programs. That responsibility, in the first instance, is in the hands of the Federal Government. If it were to act, I know the ACT Government would provide the matching funds.
The home and community care program is wide-ranging. In his speech Mr Berry indicated the great range of groups involved, but there is still further scope for more work. I am sure the advisory committee will be indicating where there are gaps that ought to be filled and I can tell you, Mr Berry, that the Social Policy Committee will be doing the same. One example that comes immediately to mind is the need to provide more assistance in the area of personal care to the elderly and infirm. The HACC program has proved its worth. That worth has also demonstrated that there are further needs. I ask that this Assembly marks the value of the HACC program by recognising and acting on further needs as they are identified.
MRS NOLAN (9.13): When I was first aware that the Minister was to make a statement in relation to HACC, I looked forward to hearing about some major new initiatives in this area. As Mr Wood has just said, the HACC program is directed at three main groups of people, including the frail aged and the elderly in our community, and it is to this area that I want to specifically address my remarks this evening.
While I welcome the initiatives mentioned in this statement, I would hope the Minister would have addressed some of the areas in which there are problems. I agree with the Minister that HACC is a very cost-effective program compared to the cost of maintaining people in institutional care. Many people want to stay in their own home but need some help in maintaining a normal lifestyle and security in their own home. Security for the aged does not always mean adequate financial resources. Many people who remain financially secure face great difficulty from loneliness, isolation and inadequate access through lack of transport to shopping and community facilities.
As the aged population increases in the ACT, the Government must act quickly to assist these elderly people who remain in their own homes. There certainly will not be enough institutionalised care for our elderly, and nor should there be. Currently we are talking about a little over $200 per year per client as against some $350 per person per week in a nursing home. Obviously the calculation not only points to HACC being a cost-effective program but saves enormous amounts of money. I am sure that, given the savings through HACC, much more can and should be done.
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