How many people can afford to pay $50 for a shower? Yet under the new Support at Home scheme, this could be the “contribution” expected from older Australians just to maintain basic hygiene.

From 1 November 2025, pensioners will be forced to pay steep co-payments for essential services like showering, dressing, and help with cooking or cleaning. For someone living on the full pension — already below the poverty line — these charges are simply unaffordable.

Older Australians should not have to choose between eating a meal, heating their home, or having a shower. This is cruel, unfair, and goes against the promise of dignity in ageing.

The Government must end these unjust co-payments now. No older Australian should ever be forced to choose between food, warmth, or a shower.