Fatima Payman (WA, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to support the Inspector-General of Aged Care (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2023. This bill is another step in our journey to fix aged care, something we are absolutely committed to for the wellbeing of our older Australians and the workers who care for them. This bill makes consequential and provisional amendments to Commonwealth laws to support the establishment of the Inspector-General of Aged Care. It ensures information can be shared with the inspector-general for the purpose of carrying out its functions. This bill also amends the National Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2022 to require that, where a person is being investigated by the inspector-general, they can only be investigated by the commission if it is in the public interest. Finally, this bill ensures arrangements for the departmental interim administration.

As a Labor senator, I am really proud of this bill and of this government for acting—for taking action after years of neglect. We are committed to getting this right. We are dedicated to this work, because we know that it's the right thing to do. I want to acknowledge the years of campaigning from union members across the country on this issue. You were not listened to by the previous government, but we are listening now, and we hear you loud and clear. You deserve to be recognised for the important work you do, and the industry needs to be fixed so that older Australians receive the care they deserve as well. I'm proud to stand in solidarity with United Workers Union members, in this instance and on every day they fight for their workplace rights.

I would like to extend a warm, happy Aged Care Employee Day: thank you. Thank you for your dedication to care for our elderly and your compassion to push through the tough times. I want you to know that the Albanese Labor government recognises your commitment to our vulnerable Australians. Thank you.