The Mornington Peninsula Shire will cease delivering Commonwealth-funded aged care services in July next year, including their Meals on Wheels service.
The decision to move out of aged care services was made at Tuesday’s council meeting (9 June) where discussion on the matter was listed as a confidential item.
The News believes the shire’s decision was made based on changes to the national aged care system.
The rights-based framework of the new Aged Care Act 2024 has introduced a suite of new obligations, duties and responsibilities for registered aged care providers.
While these changes aim to make aged care safer and fairer, strengthen system and provider governance and centre the rights of older people, the increased statutory duties and compliance costs have seen local governments cede responsibilities to specialist aged care providers.
A statement from the shire said that after detailed examination of the new system, council determined the shire could not meet the new requirements of the Act.
Accordingly, from 1 July 2027, the shire will no longer deliver the Meals on Wheels, Community Transport and Group Social Support programs.
Mornington Peninsula Shire acting mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro told The News the new aged care system will be structured, funded and regulated very differently and place increased administrative and legal obligations on the provider.
“After taking a close look at the new system, council realised it would be unworkable for the shire to continue to deliver these services,” said Pingiaro.
“While there is some sadness to be exiting Meals on Wheels after 50 years, the government’s aged care reforms are about providing our residents with more control and access to a range of specialist providers, which is a good thing.
“Council has opted to give the government a full year’s notice of our intention to withdraw, which is double the required six months’ notice. This will allow plenty of time for a smooth transition to a new provider for those residents who use the services.
“I want to reassure our older residents there is no immediate impact on them. Council will work with them over the coming year to ensure an easy transition to a new provider.
“Council’s priority now is to look at how we can continue to create a community where positive ageing is at the forefront. I want to acknowledge our amazing Meals on Wheels volunteers and the important role they play in supporting our older residents. Council is committed to identifying other opportunities for them to contribute to the wellbeing of our older population.”
The shire ceased Meals on Wheels food preparation last year after claiming its Rosebud-based kitchen had reached the end of its life Meals on Wheels to be outsourced, The News 5/2/25). It awarded the outsourcing contract to Ranahans Fine Foods in August last year following a tender process.
The shire has written to just over 600 Meals on Wheels, Community Transport and Group Social Support clients to let them know of the change and has stated it “will work with them and the Commonwealth Government to enable a seamless transition to their preferred provider”.
