Aged-care services—Newman
682. Hon Nick Goiran to the minister representing the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors:
I refer to aged-care services in Newman.
(1) Is the minister aware that EPIS Incorporated has been providing care and support to individuals approved for aged-care services for many years?
(2) Is the minister aware that EPIS is the only aged-care provider within Newman offering overnight cottage respite?
(3) Is the minister aware that this service operates from the Newman respite centre on land leased from the Shire of East Pilbara?
(4) Is the minister aware that the lease expired on 22 June 2025, leaving the service and its residents at risk of being turfed onto the street by the shire upon one month's notice?
(5) Will the minister commit to seeking an urgent briefing to ascertain what steps she can take to assist the service?
Hon Jackie Jarvis replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question. The following response has been provided by the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors.
(1)–(5) The Commonwealth government is responsible for Australia's aged-care system, including funding, legislation, regulation and policy. East Pilbara Independence Support Inc, or EPIS Inc, is a private provider of federally funded aged-care services under the Australian Government's Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's Support at Home program and the Home Care Packages program.
