Michelle Landry (Capricornia, National Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing) Share this | Hansard source

Today I rise to speak on an issue of profound importance: the aged-care sector in our nation and the Aged Care Bill 2024. This sector is not just about another part of our healthcare system; it embodies the respect and care we should show to those who built our nation. I just wanted to talk about my own experience with this first. My father was in an aged-care facility in Rockhampton several years ago. It was probably very traumatic for everyone. The staff there worked so hard to look after people in care, but I just had people coming to see me all the time asking if I could help them with regard to doctors, more staffing and all the rest of it. I have to say that the staff worked very, very hard, but I think sometimes the system actually lets them down.

But there has been some good news in Rockhampton. Bethany, which is owned by the Catholics, has received significant funds from the federal government and is building a state-of-the-art facility in Rocky. Also, Benevolent Living, which is a privately run organisation, has done major expansion on their facilities in Rockhampton. I was very lucky recently to go to Alexandra Gardens and meet some of the residents there. I joined them for happy hour, when they have a lovely time. It's a place where they live, so we really need to make sure that they're respected when they live there.

The opposition has been clear in our offer to work with the government on sensible aged-care policies because we need a system that is not only robust but sustainable to support future generations. Ensuring a strong and well-funded aged-care system today means that future generations will have the security and confidence to age with dignity, knowing that they will be cared for as they deserve. This forward-thinking approach also alleviates the emotional and financial burdens on families, fostering a society that values its elders and plans responsibly for the future.

Since the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, which was called for and responded to by the coalition, we have remained resolute in advocating for the dignity and clarity that older Australians deserve. The legislation before us is a direct response to the first recommendation of the royal commission to implement a new rights based Aged Care Act. This is an essential step, one that the coalition supports in principle. It is important that we recognise that aged care is not merely a sector; it reflects how we value and care for our elders as a society. The way we treat our seniors sets a benchmark for future generations, instilling in them a sense of security and trust that their own needs will be met with respect and compassion. Supporting a strong aged-care system ensures that our society continues to honour its past while building a foundation of dignity and care for the years to come. In response to the royal commission's findings, the former coalition government took swift and decisive action, providing more than $18 billion in funding to address the immediate needs of the sector.

But it's not just about funding; it's about recognising that aged care reflects how we as a society value and care for our elders. Throughout good-faith negotiations, the coalition has consistently worked to ensure that reforms in aged care provide the dignity and clarity that older Australians deserve. We have held the government accountable and pushed for the introduction of this reform package, ensuring that it sparks a nationwide conversation about aged care.

The challenges before the sector are undeniable, with more than half of aged-care homes across the country operating at a loss, coupled with an ageing population and the increasing preference for ageing at home. It is clear that the way aged care is delivered needs to change. That is why the coalition urge that this bill be immediately referred to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee for inquiry. We look forward to an open and transparent process engaging older Australians and the aged-care sector in this critical conversation.

While we support the spirit of this bill, we reserve our final position until the committee's report is delivered. I'm proud to say that, through negotiations, the coalition has achieved significant amendments to the government's proposed legislation that will safeguard the interests of older Australians. We have worked tirelessly to ensure fairness for Australians who have spent their lives working hard and saving for retirement. We pushed for and secured grandfathering arrangements, lifetime caps, a more balanced, tapered rate and a guarantee that the federal government remain the majority funder of aged care.

Grandfathering arrangements are one of our critical achievements. They mean that Australians currently receiving residential aged care, on a home-care package or on a waitlist for home care, will not face changes to their existing financial arrangements. In simple terms, this ensures that those already within the system will not pay more for their care.

We have also fought for a fairer taper rate, advocating for contributions that increase at a much slower rate than the government's initial proposal. This protects those who have worked hard and saved diligently for their retirement. Additionally, we secured a commitment that the government, not the consumer, will remain the majority funder of aged care. One of the most significant outcomes we secured is the maintenance of a lifetime cap on care contributions. This cap provides peace of mind for families in knowing there is a maximum limit to what they will need to contribute.

We also introduced a time-limited contribution cap for residential aged care, ensuring families will only contribute for a set period of four years. Furthermore, we championed an additional $300 million investment in capital funding for regional, rural and remote aged-care providers. This funding is vital for facilities struggling under financial constraints, allowing them to upgrade and meet necessary standards. It ensures that all Australians, no matter their location, have access to quality aged care.

The coalition have always recognised unique challenges faced by rural and regional aged-care homes, and we remain committed to supporting them. Supporting these areas is crucial because they often face significant barriers, such as geographical isolation, limited healthcare resources and challenges in attracting and retaining skilled staff. Ensuring equitable access to aged-care services in these communities upholds the fundamental principle that all Australians deserve the same level of care and respect, irrespective of their postcode. This commitment helps bridge the divide between urban and rural care, fostering a more inclusive and just society.

We also successfully advocated for the removal of criminal penalties from the bill. Let me be clear: this does not mean providers in the wrong are given a free pass. Existing work health and safety laws, banning orders and criminal codes already provided the regulatory framework to hold individuals accountable. The introduction of new criminal penalties, as proposed by the government, was not a recommendation of the royal commission and would have unintended consequences, potentially driving capable workers away from the sector.

Our efforts have also stopped the imposition of forced union representation in every aged-care home. We believe in collaboration between providers and their staff but will not support measures that prioritise union mandates over quality care, particularly when small providers bear the heaviest burden. Despite achievements, we must remember that this bill remains the government's package of reforms. It was not co-designed with the coalition, and there are critical issues that remain unaddressed. The government has failed to adequately consider workforce impacts, regulatory challenges and realistic implementation timelines.

This oversight is not without consequences. Just last year, 49 aged-care homes closed under this government's watch. This is a stark reminder that words alone are not enough. Action and foresight are paramount. We must ensure that this bill does not lead to further closures, but rather that it fosters an environment conducive to the development of new facilities and essential investments that sustain and improve the sector.

Transparency has been another area of deep disappointment. The government's process has been shrouded in secrecy, with crucial details embedded in delegated legislation yet to be disclosed. This lack of openness and clarity frustrates not only older Australians and their families but also the dedicated providers and workers who strive to maintain high standards despite mounting pressures. We have repeatedly called on the government to release all associated rules and documents for the bill's final debate. Only with full disclosure can Australians understand, prepare for and respond effectively to the impending changes.

While this bill seeks to ensure Commonwealth aged-care services remain accessible, promote dignity and support independence, much work remains. The coalition remains committed to consulting with older Australians and the sector, through the ongoing inquiry process, to achieve the best outcomes. We will continue to work towards a system that prioritises the dignity and care of older Australians, ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

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