This audit would assess the effectiveness of the Department of Health and Aged Care’s administration of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

The CHSP is an Australian Government program that helps older people to live independently in their homes and communities. It also provides respite services to give carers a break. Under the CHSP, non-government service providers receive Australian Government funding through grant agreements to deliver in-home care and services to older people. There are around 1,400 CHSP providers in Australia, mainly not-for-profit providers (68 per cent). During 2022–23, funding arrangements for CHSP providers were altered as part of reforms to in-home aged care that aim to set efficient prices for service delivery and provide guidance on reasonable client contribution rates. The CHSP is due to transition to a new program (Support at Home) by 1 July 2027.