Ged Kearney (Cooper, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One thing is clear from the government's budget: they've never spoken to a worker in their lives. I spent this morning with aged-care workers and nurses and—do you know what?—they feel so let down. The Liberals' aged-care response falls way short of the most crucial issue of aged care, and that is the workforce. The Prime Minister refused to accept the royal commission recommendations that require a registered nurse on every shift, 24/7. They work with carers who are looking after very frail people with multiple serious life-threatening conditions and they help others approach the end of life pain free and with dignity. For the workers themselves, there wasn't even a half-hearted attempt to fix the wages and conditions of carers and nurses in the sector. They've kicked the can down the road on an increase in minutes of care—that is, how much time they actually get to spend with their residents—and there's to be no increase in those minutes of care for two years. They've failed to implement a workforce plan, and so many other recommendations are not going to be taken up by the government in this budget. There's a half-hearted attempt to require auditing and public disclosure of taxpayers' money, with $10 extra per resident being given to providers but no hard requirements that that money be spent on food, extra care or even the staffing that is so desperately needed right now. They have let aged-care workers down.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The member's time has concluded. The member for Goldstein for about 45 seconds.

Tim Wilson (Goldstein, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

First, I want to welcome Graham and Julie Watson and Eddie and Barbara Curie from the Goldstein electorate, who are in the chamber today. Secondly, I want to congratulate the Treasurer on measures in his third budget. Home ownership provides the foundation for the economic security of individuals and families. It's also how we democratise the ownership and wealth distribution of the nation. This budget includes measures that put life decisions in their proper order—home first, super second. There is more to do, but it's a great start. The Liberal Party has always understood the importance of home ownership. Sadly, the same cannot be said of members on the other side, who want Australians to be serfs to their own super. The rumours are right, the opposition leader wants an indentured nation not empowered citizens.

Tony Smith (Speaker) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In accordance with standing order 43, the time for members' statements has concluded.