1 November changes will 'gut' regional WA services, Shadow Minister warns

Western Australia’s Shadow Minister for Aged Care Bevan Eatts has warned that the coming reforms are ‘completely unworkable’ in regional areas — where, in a statement, it was said: “costs are higher, distances longer, and volunteer networks already stretched to the limit”.

“These one-size-fits-all changes don’t reflect the reality of aged care in regional WA,” Eatts said.

“If they go ahead as planned, we’ll see service closures right across the South West, Great Southern and Wheatbelt — and more seniors forced into a hospital system that’s already under strain.”

In a statement, it was said that, from 1 November 2025, the federal government’s new Support at Home program “could see seniors charged up to 80% of the cost of essential services like showering, cooking and cleaning. At the same time, local providers face a 50% cut to administration funding”.

Eatts said: “These aren’t extras, they’re basics that help older people stay safe and independent at home.”

“Pensioners shouldn’t be punished for aging. This is heartless policy — and it’s going to cost lives.”

Eatts pointed to providers like Walpole Community Resource Centre that runs the Staying in Place program, which he said won’t survive.

“Halving admin support means fewer home visits, longer waitlists and less help for vulnerable clients,” Eatts said.

“Walpole and other regional centres have done the hard yards for years. Now they’re being hung out to dry.”

Eatts called for the WA Government to step in: “WA can’t afford to sit on its hands. The Minister needs to fight for our seniors, because once these services are gone, they won’t come back.”

Image: Supplied