Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

In that failed attempt to ask a relevant question, I can answer that part. The government’s overall target of 113 operational places per 1,000 for people aged 70 years and over by 2010 will continue to be met. This government will continue to meet the needs of the aged people who require aged-care places. The aged-care places made available in the 2009-10 aged-care approval round will ensure that the overall target ratio will in fact be achieved. The allocation will also mean that the high-care to low-care ratio balance will be met. The 2009-10 aged-care approval round provides practical assistance that helps older people retain their independence. Initiatives in this budget will meet the needs of current aged-care clients, unlike what the inference was in that question. This government is acting in this area, unlike what the opposition did in their 12 years in government. (Time expired)