MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has decided to continue delivering aged care services after the federal government announced the Commonwealth Home Support Program will continue until 2029.
At the 29 September council meeting, councillors unanimously voted in support of continuing Meals on Wheels, Community Transport, and Group Social Support until 30 June 2029.
The decision follows the shire’s previous decision to stop delivering aged care services in June 2027 after the federal government’s aged care reforms were set to begin (“Shire to pull out of aged care services”, The News, 11/06/26).
In August, the federal government announced it would be reversing the decision and extending the Home Support Program to 2029, with the possibility of permanently retaining it.
Council deliberated on three options but ultimately decided to continue providing all aged care services until 2029 (“Shire to decide on future of aged care services”,The News, 29/09/26).
Mayor Cr Stephen Batty said there will now be no changes to the shire’s aged care services.
“Those who currently receive Meals on Wheels or use our transport and social support services don’t need to take any action. Things will continue as usual,” he said.
“It was with deep regret that council made the original decision to stop delivering these services because we could not meet the new requirements under the aged care reforms.”
Batty said when the federal government reversed its decision, the shire owed it to the community to reconsider its position.
“We are delighted that services such as Meals on Wheels, which council has delivered for 50 years and which is highly valued by our community, will now continue,” said Batty.
“Our priority is – and always has been – to support the best possible outcome for older people on the Mornington Peninsula.”
Cr David Gill, who moved the motion, said good legislation should strengthen care rather than weaken local connections.
“At the centre of every reform should be the people who rely on these services: older residents and vulnerable people,” said Gill.
“They deserve dignity, safety, and practical support, but they also deserve community-based care that understands who they are and where they live.”
Gill said the extension gives the shire time to reconsider their position to move further away from their role in caring for the community.
“We should take up this opportunity now presented to ensure the best outcomes for our community,” said Gill.
“This matters because council-delivered aged care and care for vulnerable people has often provided more than basic services; it has offered local knowledge, continuity, trust, and a human connection to older residents who may be isolated or vulnerable.”
Cr Paul Pingiaro acknowledged this time has been upsetting for a lot of people in the community.
“When council made its decision in June, we did so based on the Commonwealth government’s aged care reform legislation and the obligations that came with that and with the funding timetable as it stood at that time,” said Pingiaro.
“I think it’s important to say clearly that we’re back here tonight because the federal government changed the legislation and the funding environment that informed council’s original decision.”
Cr Max Patton said until the amendment passes, councillors are considered responsible persons under the Aged Care Act.
“There’s still a high regulatory load, the compliance costs, as well as the direction of aged care reform and the way it’s heading, albeit unclear at the moment,” said Patton.
“I think it’s unreasonable to expect the councillors who, by definition in the Local Government Act, cannot get involved in operations, remain as responsible persons.”
Patton said the shire will continue to monitor the situation and ensure the approach they take is responsive to the community’s needs.
“No decision that we make as a council is made lightly. Consideration must be given to a range of factors, and no decision is made in a vacuum either,” said Patton.
“They each have several cascading impacts on other services through our council, and this is compounded when we consider the need to make decisions for future generations. “
The shire will now continue to deliver Meals on Wheels, Community Transport, and Group Social Support until 30 June 2029.
First published in the Mornington News – 6 October 2026
