Nationals Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, said people requiring higher-level care would be targeted.

“Older people on the Mid North Coast assessed as needing Level 3 or Level 4 home care support will share in an additional 6,000 care packages being made available nationally this financial year,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“The Mid North Coast is a great place to live, work and retire and I am committed to making sure our older citizens have choice when it comes to quality, affordable aged care in our community.”

Mr Hartsuyker also welcomed publication of the new national home care priority queue on the My Aged Care website.

“This means people waiting for the allocation of home care packages will have more clarity on when they can expect services to be delivered,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“Locals will also benefit from a $20 million revamp of the My Aged Care website and care information system, streamlining support for people needing to access aged care details and services.”

The announcements came as Aged Care Minister Ken Wyatt AM tabled the report of the Legislated Review of Aged Care 2017 in Parliament.

Mr Wyatt confirmed the Government does not support recommendations 13 and 15 of the Review which means the full value of the owner’s home will not be included in the means test for residential care, nor will the annual and lifetime caps on means-tested fees for aged care be removed.

Older residents and their families needing information are encouraged to visit the My Aged Care Websitewww.myagedcare.gov.au or call 1800 200 422.

The Coalition Government has allocated 18.6 billion for aged care in 2017–18, the first part of a $100 billion investment in aged care support planned for the next five years.

This includes $5.5 billion to extend the Commonwealth Home Support Program until 2020, to provide services including Meals On Wheels, transport, personal assistance and home maintenance.

For further information about the Review go to: https://agedcare.health.gov.au/reform/aged-care-legislated-review.