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

I thank Senator Tyrrell for the question. It relates to the improvements we've been putting into place in aged care around additional requirements for care minutes for elderly Australians. This is a relatively recent change, as you know, to staffing requirements in aged care. The feedback the government is getting from consumers and providers is that it is making a difference across the aged-care sector.

I'm not certain, and I don't have the details in front of me, on the evaluation of the care minutes in residential aged care, although I believe that it would be being done. I'll quickly skim and see if I can see if there is a requirement or a timeframe. Certainly, the care minutes have improved the quality of care going to residents in aged-care facilities. The government is watching this as part of our response to improving care in aged care, and we will continue to do so. I'll see if there's further information I can provide.