Statement on Behalf of Meals on Wheels™ Australia
Paul Sadler, Chair, Meals on Wheels Australia Ltd
Meals on Wheels™ Australia (MoWA) welcomes the release of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) report into the administration of the Future Fit Program by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, published on 27 May 2025.
The report highlights significant shortcomings in project management, procurement, contract oversight, and stakeholder engagement. The program’s failures caused disruption to Meals on Wheels nationally and eroded trust across our network. The negative impact on people involved cannot be overstated.
A substantial number of Meals on Wheels services across the country had signed up to the Future Fit Program, recognising the potential benefits for the entire network and, most importantly, for the older Australians we serve.
While MoWA and participating services are disappointed that the program did not deliver the anticipated outcomes, we are encouraged by the Department’s commitment to implement all eight recommendations outlined in the ANAO report.
We look forward to continuing working constructively with the Department as it strengthens its processes. It is vital that the efforts and goodwill of participating services are not lost, and that this experience becomes a catalyst for meaningful improvement.
Importantly, the report underscores the value of our services, with the Department acknowledging the critical social capital generated by Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) services such as meals and transport.
In the coming weeks, MoWA will convene a meeting of national peak bodies focused on preserving and strengthening CHSP services.
The ANAO report will be a key point of discussion, and we anticipate working collaboratively with organisations including the National Aged Care Alliance to chart a positive and sustainable future for older Australians.
Media contact:
Paul Sadler – 0418 208 232 [email protected]
