Keith Wolahan (Menzies, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

In the brief time remaining, I will speak to this being a moment of the parliament at its best. Many people in the community lament the lack of reform out of this place and the lack of constructive engagement. This bill, the Aged Care Bill 2024, has both. This is an example of the parties of government working with each other on a critical part not just of our economy but of our society. It is about who we are. We know all Australians deserve an aged-care system that is sustainable into the future but also provides for a dignified retirement for Australians who deserve no less.

I will briefly speak to the people in my community who are passionate about this area. Someone who is very close to me, Helen Jurcevic, is someone who gives up a lot of her time to work for others. She runs a group called the Women's Friendship Group. It is a group of women, many of whom lost their husbands years ago and many of whom live in facilities that are subject to this act. They gather regularly, share stories and acknowledge different multicultural days. It's quite a diverse room. I want to thank Helen and all of those who are with her for the work that they do in giving that dignified life that is not lonely.

When I go to events that are run by Helen and I speak to many people who either are in these facilities themselves or have friends who are, they tell me how much the staff mean to them. Of course, we know that the staff who provide medical care—those who are nurses and look after people who have particular needs—are important, and they are really valued, but you often don't hear about the other staff: the people who make their food for them with care; who chat to them in their own time, their spare time on their breaks; and who show a smile when they're tucking them in at night or helping them do things that might otherwise make them feel embarrassed. It's that human touch that really matters.

Recently, I got to go to one of the facilities where the staff were being recognised for the good work that they do. What I saw there was a mostly female staff, mostly multicultural—most of them weren't born here. They were proud of the work that they do. They were honoured to serve people at this stage in their lives and also listen to them about all of the stories and experiences that they've had in life. You could tell that they get joy from that job, but it's a bloody hard job.

I'll finish in the remaining time by saying: thank you, Helen, and thank you to all of the staff, at all levels, who work in this critical area. To future generations of Australians, I say: you can be proud of the parliament. This is an example of us working to keep future budgets in check and not see them fall apart. We do keep one eye on the Intergenerational report, and this is one of the five key line items that we have been warned to address. This parliament has turned its mind to that, and that is a great credit to the government and also to the opposition and all those in this place who have worked towards that. Thank you, Deputy Speaker, and thank you, everyone—on indulgence.

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