Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

The government—Liberal and Nationals senators—in this chamber strongly oppose this motion. We stand with our colleague, Senator Colbeck, who is doing a very good job in a very challenging area in a very difficult context. Every death from COVID-19 is a tragedy and we send our condolences to affected families and loved ones. We continue to work, and Senator Colbeck continues to work, day and night to safeguard the most vulnerable in the community, with the government providing over $1½ billion in additional support to the aged-care sector to date to support senior Australians in aged care.

Minister Colbeck has acknowledged, taken responsibility and apologised for not having the number of deaths in aged care due to COVID-19 at his fingertips at the recent Senate inquiry. The resources supplied to the national COVID-19 health response plan to support the aged-care sector are a clear demonstration of the important work undertaken in support of aged-care residents through the COVID-19 pandemic. Let me say I know firsthand how strongly Senator Colbeck performs in this— (Time expired)