Referring to a change in federal government policy stemming from the Royal Commission into Aged Care, Moorabool Shire Council has made clear its own in-principle decision to cease delivering aged and disability services to residents in the future.

Mayor Tom Sullivan admitted council's decision to move away from key services was a difficult decision, but he believed local government no longer had a role to play in the area.

"The in-principle decision has been made in the interests of our aged clients, our staff in this area, and the broader community so that, if required, we can manage the transition to an appropriate provider who will deliver the same level of quality services," Cr Sullivan said.

Cr Sullivan acknowledged those requiring services would not be left in the lurch.

"In making its in-principle decision, council has also determined it would like to play a major part in any transition process that may occur and be as involved as possible in recommending a future aged care provider to the federal government," he said.

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"We want to assure our clients that service continuity is a priority and we will not be leaving clients without the services they require during any transition phase that may arise in the future."

The Australian Services Union possesses grave fears, arguing when councils stop delivering in-home aged care services, carers are allocated less time with clients and the continuity of care on which elderly residents rely is negatively affected.

ASU secretary Lisa Darmanin believes clients will suffer if council goes through with its decision.

"The quality of services aged residents receive from council delivered in-home aged care is higher than when non-government providers deliver services," Ms Darmanin said.

"Carers may be the only person who spends time with an elderly client receiving in-home aged care; when non-government organisations deliver these services, the continuity of care is too often lost."

Mr Sullivan also addressed the ramifications of the decision on staff.

"We are working with the 38 council staff, who work in aged care, impacted by this change," Cr Sullivan said.

"They have been fantastic over the past decade, adapting to the changes and reform in the industry, whilst continuing to provide high quality services and commitment to our clients.

"Should council confirm its in-principle decision to cease services, we will continue to work with staff to look at redeployment before redundancy.

"We're very confident that, with a skills shortage across aged care, our very high-quality staff will have the opportunity to work in aged care in another setting if they so desire."

According to Ms Darmanin, care workers will face difficulties as a result of council's move.

"When councils stop delivering these services, carers are pushed into insecure work with lower wages and conditions," she said.

"Our union has seen carers that are much worse off when councils exit in-home aged care service delivery, their employment conditions fall, and the time they have to really care for vulnerable people is reduced."

Ms Darmanin feels focus on advocacy for vulnerable members of the community, which has been promised by council, will not sufficiently compensate for the reduced quality of care.

"Advocacy can't replace a long term caring relationship with a highly trained council employee," Ms Darmanin said.

In a closed session of the ordinary meeting of council on Wednesday December 1, councillors endorsed a range of recommendations.

Council accepted Moorabool will not be able to play a meaningful future role in aged and disability service delivery due to service costs, financial constraints, competition policy, and other structural challenges.

Council also determined, on an in-principle basis, it will transition out of service delivery in relation to Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP), Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC-PYP), and Regional Assessment Services (RAS).

Council emphasised it will continue to play an active role in ensuring its community will receive high-quality aged care services and will advocate for the needs of vulnerable members of the community.

In addition, a commitment was made to work with the Commonwealth and Victorian governments to negotiate timing and transition processes which will protect interests of clients, their families, staff, and the broader community.

There is an intention for council to be involved in the selection of a new home support provider and will make recommendations to the Commonwealth for its consideration during the appointment process.

There will be future investment in age-friendly or positive-ageing initiatives ensuring council's universal services and facilities are designed to meet the needs of a growing population of older residents.

In March 2022, council will receive a further report to consider in which they may determine to confirm the in-principle decision made.

The ASU is set on challenging the council over its plans.

"We will be lobbying councillors over the next few months about the importance of in-home aged care services to council staff and vulnerable residents," Ms Darmanin said.

"We will also try to clear up some of the misconceptions that appear to be part of the rationale for this in-principle decision," Ms Darmanin concluded.

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