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

The government will not be supporting the amendment. The Aged Care Bill already addresses the issue raised by Senator Ruston. Part 4 of chapter 1 establishes the role of supporters in the context of decision-making. Chapter 3, part 4, division 1, clause 156(1)(a) and 156(1)(b) establish, as a condition of registration, a registered provider must allow and facilitate access to persons including supporters, advocates and aged-care volunteer visitors in accordance with any requirements prescribed by the rules. Chapter 1, part 3, division 1, clause 23(12) also provides:

(12) An individual has a right to opportunities, and assistance, to stay 24 connected … with:

(a) significant persons in the individual's life and pets, including through safe visitation by family members, friends, volunteers or other visitors where the individual lives and visits to family members or friends …

The rules pertaining to clause 156(1)(a) and 156(1)(b) are under development, and requirements for access for the stipulated persons will be considered through that.