AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

AMENDMENT OF THE HEALTH COMMISSION (CHARGES) REGULATIONS – FEES FOR HEALTH SERVICE HOSTELS

EXPLANATORY STATEMENT

No. 8 of 1978

	The Capital Territory Health Commission operates six health services hostels to assist in the care and treatment of persons who are intellectually and physically handicapped or who suffer from psychiatric disorders.  At present the regulations only prescribe charges in respect of “Crana Afer-care Hostel”.  The regulations will increase the prescribed charge for Crana Hostel and introduce specific charges for the other hostels.

	The regulations will –
(a)	Increase the prescribed charge for accommodation at Crana Hostel from $1.50 to $2.50 per day.  This hostel provides “half-way” type accommodation (including a major meal daily) for persons who are adjusting to life in the community, after suffering from mental illness;
(b)	Introduce a charge of $2 per day for a person under the age of sixteen years staying in a hostel for a specific period not exceeding 28 days;
(c)	Introduce a charge of $1 per day for a person under the age of sixteen years staying in a hostel for an indefinite period;
(d)	Introduce a charge of $4.96 per day for persons over the age of sixteen years irrespective of their length of stay in a hostel.

Should, however, these charges cause hardship in any particular case the Commission is able to reduce or remit the whole or part of fees owing to the Commission.