Jenny McAllister (NSW, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Cabinet Secretary) Share this | Hansard source

I just wanted to indicate Labor's position in relation to the second reading amendment. I don't believe we've done that so far. There are a number of points raised in the Greens' second reading amendment that, of course, Labor has been calling on the government to fix urgently for some time. This includes the home care package waiting list: more than 104,000 older Australians are waiting for their package and, frankly, this is not good enough. Labor will continue to put pressure on the government to fix the home care package wait list. This is urgent. It should not be ignored during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With regard to the other issues raised in the Greens amendment, it is our strong view that the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety should be given the opportunity to put forward its final report as it considers many of the significant issues that impact on the aged-care system. This bill is about supporting families and their loved ones at a very difficult and challenging time, and we don't want to hold this bill up, of course. The Greens have failed to consult with Labor on their second reading amendment and we will not be supporting it.