NDIS Savings Redirected to Aged Care
Health Minister Mark Butler is set to announce on Wednesday that savings from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) will be partially redirected to support older Australians. These funds will enhance access to essential aged care services such as showering, dressing assistance, and continence management.
The Labor government is revising aspects of its aged care reforms by eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for non-clinical services under the Support at Home scheme.
This decision follows criticism from elder advocates, experts, and aged care providers who emphasized that personal care services are vital for maintaining independence and enabling older individuals to remain in their homes.
Minister for Aged Care, Sam Rae, confirmed that these changes will take effect from 1 October this year.
"Showering, dressing, continence care - these aren’t optional extras. They’re the basics of ageing with dignity, and no older Australian should miss out because of cost.
Older Australians, their families and providers told us these services needed to be protected. We’ve listened, and we’re acting."
Fourth Man Charged Over Alleged Kidnapping and Murder of Chris Baghsarian
New South Wales police have charged a fourth individual in connection with the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian.
Baghsarian disappeared from his North Ryde residence on 13 February. His remains were discovered on 24 February near a golf club in Pitt Town.
Authorities believe he was not the intended target of the kidnapping but was taken due to mistaken identity.
In a statement released early Wednesday, police reported the arrest of a 19-year-old man on Tuesday morning at Mt Druitt police station.
The individual faces charges including murder and taking or detaining in company with intent to ransom occasion actual bodily harm.
The man was denied bail and is scheduled to appear in Mt Druitt Local Court today.
Good morning and welcome to our live news blog. I’m Martin Farrer with the top overnight stories, followed by Nick Visser who will guide you through the morning updates.
Today, Health Minister Mark Butler will outline significant changes to the NDIS, including notable funding savings. The government states that part of these savings from the national disability insurance scheme will be allocated to improving aged care services such as showering and dressing support.
Additionally, there has been a development in the investigation into the alleged kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian earlier this year, with the arrest and charging of a fourth man.
