Junee Community Transport (JCT) is a subsidised, community-based, not-for-profit service providing door-to-door transport for transport-disadvantaged residents, enabling medical appointments, shopping, and social outings. They were also the subject of a Council item at the May meeting which identified changes in Councils approach to the community service. Under the new Federal aged‐care reforms, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) – a key funding source for JCT – will continue (extended to 30 June 2027 according to Council) but will transition to a new funding and regulatory model under new legislation.
This means Transport for NSW (TfNSW) will hand back administration of CHSP at that time, though it will continue to administer the NSW-funded Community Transport Program (CTP) according to the report that went to Council. The report additionally stated both Commonwealth and NSW Governments have committed funding for community transport through to mid-2027. The report reviews these changes in context and emphasises that JCT is an integral service – funded by a mix of Commonwealth and State programs – essential to community health, independence and inclusion.
The report reads, “At present, JCT is funded through multiple streams from both Commonwealth and NSW Governments TfNSW administered programs accounted for roughly 75 percent of Junee’s community transport trips. JCT operates two 7-seat commuter vehicles and one sedan, run by nine volunteer drivers and one paid Coordinator (funded by the TfNSW contract).
Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is a Commonwealth-funded, entry-level support program for older Australians. Its purpose is to help frail older people stay independent at home by providing transport, domestic assistance, home maintenance and other supports. As noted by MyAged Care, “the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) helps older Australians access entry-level support services to live independently and safely at home. JCT uses CHSP funding to subsidise transport for eligible seniors and carers.
On 1 July the Federal Government will commence the new Aged Care Act reforms, which extend CHSP funding to 30 June 2027 but change how CHSP is funded and regulated. From that date, CHSP will no longer be administered by states; NSW will “handback” CHSP funding to Commonwealth administration, as CHSP transitions to the new Support at Home Program (planned for 2027). In practical terms, this means TfNSW will cease its role in managing CHSP grants after mid-2025, although the current CHSP service model and funding allocations will continue unchanged until at least 2027 under the extension.
Community Transport Program (CTP)…. is an NSW Government-funded program (administered by TfNSW) designed to promote social inclusion and access for people with limited transport options. It provides grants to community transport operators so they can offer group and individual trips to shopping, medical appointments, social venues and other essential services.
Funded by the NSW Government, the CTP “aims to promote social inclusion and assistance for people to have access to goods and services required to maintain healthy daily living”.
In practice, JCT canuse CTP funds to subsidise trips for anyone on apension or low income who lacks other transport means.”
Transport NSW confirms that CTP “assists individuals who are transport disadvantaged”.
Funding for CTP is secured through the next NSW budget cycle and Council said operators like JCT will continue to receive CTP grants based on their outputs.
“The Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), as part of NSW Health, provides Non Emergency Health-Related Transport (NEHRT). These services are primarily aimed at enabling regional residents to attend scheduled medical appointments without the need for emergency transport.
“The partnership with MLHD provides another funding stream that underpins a significant portion of JCT-facilitated medical transport, enhancing equitable access to health services for the Junee Shire community.”
Department of Veterans’Affairs (DVA) provides travel and accommodation support for eligible veterans attending approved medical treatment. Under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act, DVA will “reimburse your travel expenses to access treatment covered by your Veteran Card”.
This means that when a DVA-eligible veteran in Junee travels to a specialist or hospital, they can claim part of their fuel or taxi cost back from DVA. JCT personnel help veterans navigate this process (by giving them receipts or information, ect.), ensuring that DVA travel funding contributes to the viability of each trip.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides individually planned supports for people with permanent and significant disability. However, community transport is explicitly excluded from NDIS funding. NDIS guidelines list “community transport services” among transport options that are not NDIS supported. This means JCT does not receive NDIS funds for clients; instead, people with disability rely on CHSP, CTP or other programs for travel assistance. (Note: some NDIS participants may receive limited transport funding under their plans, but only for specific purposes like activity access or attendant services – general community transport is not NDIS funded).
Council also considered Point to Point Levy and CHSP Implications in the report.
“Under current regulations, accredited service providers who operate under contract with TfNSW are exempt from the standard P2P levy of $1.20 per passenger trip. This exemption has historically applied to CHSP services delivered by JCT, due to their inclusion under the TfNSW managed framework. However, from 1 July 2025, with the administration of CHSP transferring from TfNSW back to the Commonwealth Government under the provisions of the new Aged Care Act, CHSP-funded services will no longer fall within the scope of TfNSW contractual coverage and will therefore be classified as general passenger services under the P2 Pregulatory regime.
“As a result, CHSP trips will become subject to the $1.20 P2P levy, unless a formal exemption is granted by the P2P Transport Commission.
“JCT is already accredited withthe Point-to-Point Transport Commission and is fully aware of the impending regulatory and financial changes. Council said there is a low risk of service disruption, provided all parties co-ordinate.
“It has been acknowledged that Junee Community Transport is heavily reliant on the contribution of volunteer drivers. It is therefore essential that Council continues to support and encourage volunteer participation to ensure the ongoing viability and effectiveness of the service. Overall, the reforms do not introduce major new risks to Junee CT service delivery.”
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