Opened the debate
Webster argued that the government was disregarding the needs of older Australians, particularly in regional areas, by reducing Commonwealth Home Support Program funding. Webster stated that Grampians Community Health had been forced to cut gardening and home maintenance support from approximately two hours every six weeks to a maximum of two hours per financial year. Webster claimed this reduction was due to insufficient government funding and the refusal to continue exemptions for respite care. Webster highlighted that funding was instead directed to providers in Albury-Wodonga, which is hundreds of kilometres from the affected region. Webster also noted that local councils had previously provided these services but could no longer afford to do so.