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

It is disappointing to see in the area of aged care—where we face significant challenges with an ageing population—that all the opposition want to do is to go back to their Work Choices campaign around industrial relations. That is what Senator Fierravanti-Wells is underlining with her question. What you do not want to do is expose your true policy around industrial relations. If you look at the way the government has continued to support wages in aged-care facilities you will see that the government recognises that the employees play a vital role in aged care, in ensuring that frail older Australians receive the care and support they deserve. While the government has an overarching role as funder of programs and services, aged-care providers are responsible, together with their staff, for negotiating wages and conditions. (Time expired)