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 21 March 2017:

Changes to the Aged Care Funding Instrument announced in the 2015-16 Mid-year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) and 2016-17 Budget, with particular reference to:

(a) the impact of these cuts on service delivery and the level of care that older Australians receive, including in regional and remote communities;

(b) the impact of these cuts on the sector including the sector's capacity to deliver complex health care, and the ongoing viability of the sector;

(c) the impact of these cuts on state and territory governments if health systems are required to provide more complex care as a result;

(d) the assumptions and data underlying projections by the Government;

(e) the consultation process with consumers, community groups and aged care service providers in relation to these changes; and

(f) any other related matters.

Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Aged Care) 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

Is leave granted? Leave is granted for one minute.

Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Aged Care) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Labor remains concerned about the ongoing sustainability of the Aged Care Funding Instrument. There is tremendous instability and uncertainty around aged care funding under the Turnbull Liberal government, just as there is with everything under this government. This instability means nobody can have confidence that older Australians will have access to the care they need. Labor has consistently supported the sector in its call for an immediate independent review and reform of the Aged Care Funding Instrument. This remains our commitment as the only path to a sustainable, transparent and predictable residential aged care funding model. We call on those concerned to show they are serious about the care of older Australians and back Labor's move for a full independent review into aged care funding that can deliver a sustainable future funding model.

Question negatived.

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

Mr President, I will not call for a division but I want it noted that Labor and the coalition voted this down.

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

It is so noted.