Hi,
Please see below a media release from the Australian Services Union.
MEDIA RELEASE
2 April 2025
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Some of Geelong and the Bellarine's most vulnerable older people will be without the care and support that keeps them out of aged care facilities after the Geelong Council suddenly announced it was withdrawing services and cutting the jobs of 300 aged care workers.
Under the Home Support Program older people including those living with dementia or disability are provided services including home care and cleaning, personal care like support with showering, respite to give their primary carer a break, home maintenance and meals on wheels.
The Australian Services Union—Victorian and Tasmanian Branch Secretary Tash Wark says the decision ‘blindsided’ people relying on the service and is “both cruel and financially reckless” noting the council receives millions in Commonwealth support to run the program.
“Everyone knows the council-run home care service is the best available in our community. Our parents and grandparents rely on these workers to keep them healthy, safe and out of aged care,” said Ms Wark. “Most people want to live independently as long as possible and that’s what this service allows.
“Cutting the service will create safety risks for people who try to keep living at home without the support they need, and will lead to a rush on aged care homes that are already under huge strain.”
Ms Wark said the union had pushed hard for greater funding for aged care in Greater Geelong and were “surprised that the council failed to engage with the Federal Government in a meaningful way.”
“Now we know why – they have clearly been planning to cut the service all along. This is a lazy decision from a council that simply can’t be bothered with the hard work of aged care, no matter how important it is to the local community.
“This council had a secret plan to cut this service for over a year and now we are seeing that plan in action. Councillors have failed to manage the contract with Commonwealth and are exiting because it’s easier than running the service.”
Ms Wark said it was impossible to see any rationale, from a human or financial perspective, to justify this decision.
“The Federal Government pumped over $18 million into the program last year and council made another $2.2 million in user fees, so there are more than enough funds to support the program.
“This funding is projected to increase with the new Support at Home arrangements where council can set prices as they see fit for the cost of delivering care.
“The City of Greater Geelong has received more money than ever to deliver this vital service. This is a reckless decision that puts workers out of a job and cuts services to the communities most vulnerable.
Around 300 workers will be cut as a result of the decision of council to exit home care services and they support thousands of older workers every single day, but the program is funded by the Commonwealth.
“Workers will continue to fight through the ASU for these jobs and the people they support in the community.”
Media contact: Darren Rodrigo 0414 783 405
