Council to enter subcontracting arrangement for in-home aged care

Published on 20 February 2019

Maribyrnong councillors endorsed a decision to appoint a not-for-profit provider of in-home support services at the Ordinary Council Meeting on Tuesday 19 February.

Under a subcontracting arrangement, the provider will deliver Council’s in-home aged care services, including home care, personal care, and in-home respite. Council will continue to manage the funding and quality assurance processes for these services until at least 2020.

The decision follows a joint tender process undertaken by Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay City Councils to identify a philosophically aligned provider that could provide quality care for clients, along with continuing local employment under the same conditions for Council employees.

“We are committed to minimising change and maintaining both quality and continuity of care. The central objective of this process has been to appoint a high quality provider, with a comprehensive service offering who will ensure the continuing availability of services to support people to live as independently as possible within their own home,” City of Maribyrnong Mayor Cr Martin Zakharov said.

“The decision to enter this subcontracting arrangement is based on providing the best support possible for our clients, community and employees as the aged care and disability service systems are reformed by the Federal Government. We will continue to monitor and regularly review this arrangement to ensure our clients receive the highest quality care,” Cr Zakharov continued.

All affected staff were made aware of this decision earlier today, and clients are being communicated with regarding the changes.

Due to procurement protocols, the provider cannot be disclosed at this time. However, an announcement will be made when contractual requirements are complete.