Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you. Mr Butler announced a very significant public policy for aged care, and what the opposition are now doing is focusing on the event rather than the policy that underlies it. The policy that underlies it is a very significant improvement for aged care. Those opposite continue to want to denigrate the aged-care area, where Mr Butler has lifted and improved the outcomes for aged care—and that announcement underpins that.

The announcement provides significant funding for aged care. Increasing incentives through investment in aged-care is vital to ensure that there is a sufficient supply of aged-care services to meet the needs of an ageing population. That is the underlying issue, and this government is addressing that in aged care. Those opposite could do better by coming on board and joining with Mr Butler with respect to the policy rather than complaining about the event. But that is not surprising, Mr President, when all they do is focus on negativities. (Time expired)