Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Griff, move:

That the following matter be referred to the Community Affairs References Committee for inquiry and report by 25 November 2016:

The operation of the Aged Care Funding Instrument, with particular reference to:

(a) its effectiveness in providing quality care;

(b) covering costs of care; and

(c) any other related matters.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Leave is granted for one minute.

Penny Wong (SA, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition in the Senate) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Labor remains concerned about the impact of the changes to the aged-care funding instrument and believes the government should immediately share the full modelling and assumptions on the changes with the sector and engage in a genuine assessment of future aged-care funding. However, the proposed inquiry, rather than addressing concerns with aged-care funding, simply would give the government an excuse to delay engaging on this issue. I understand that Labor has given notice in the House that we will introduce a private member's bill to submit aged-care funding and ACFI to an independent legislative review. The bill will amend the review arrangements in the act to include a full review of the ACFI and the care needs of older Australians, so we call on those concerned to show they are serious about the care of older Australians and back our move for a full, independent review into aged-care funding that can deliver a sustainable future funding model.

Question negatived.