Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

Just to finish off on that final question in the area that you were asking about in allied health: I would say that, from the government's point of view, we acknowledge that concerns have been raised and we are actively engaging with the sector, and we'll continue to do so during the transition to the new arrangements.

In relation to your question, Senator Rice, about the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority, both of the aged-care amendment bills currently before the parliament will contribute to increased transparency in the aged-care sector. The provisions in this bill ensure that the parliament and the public will have visibility of the work of the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority. The pricing authority will independently and transparently advise on aged-care pricing, supporting the transparent and evidence based assessment of the costs of delivering aged care to older Australians.

Schedule 8 of the bill specifically provides for the pricing authority to report annually to the parliament its healthcare costing and pricing advice. This is not discretionary. That advice will also be the result of an extensive annual public consultation and fact-finding process. These arrangements will enhance community confidence in aged care and the funding allocated to aged care. The government remains accountable to the community for the expenditure of resources across health services, including aged-care services. As a result, having considered the pricing authority's advice, the government will continue to determine aged-care prices through a legislative instrument.