Maria Kovacic (NSW, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Every single one of us at some point in our lives will interact with the aged-care system. Whether it be for ourselves, our parents or our partners, aged care will inevitably impact all of us. For this reason, Australians deserve to know exactly what reforms the Albanese Labor government is proposing with our aged-care system. Our population is ageing rapidly, with more than half of aged-care homes across the country already operating at a loss. The way aged care is delivered and supported clearly needs to change. We must ensure our aged-care system is sustainable and world class and, most importantly, provides dignity to old Australians. The former coalition government initiated a royal commission that laid the groundwork for a better system. This week, the coalition has continued that commitment by agreeing to work with the government on key reforms to be introduced into this parliament.

The shadow minister for health and aged care, Senator Ruston, is fighting hard to get a fairer deal for older Australians and their families, and I want to highlight what has been achieved through negotiations so far: first, the coalition ensured that grandfathering arrangements are in place so no Australian already in the aged-care system will pay more than they do today; second, we introduced lifetime caps on contributions, giving families certainty about the maximum they'll ever have to pay; we also negotiated a lower taper rate to slow down the rate at which contributions increase; and we secured a critical assurance that the federal government, not the consumer, will continue to be the majority funder of aged care.

The coalition have long understood that rural and regional aged-care homes face unique challenges in our country. These communities need more support, and so far the Albanese government is failing to provide that support. That's why the coalition has fought for additional funding to help aged-care providers in the bush, providers that are struggling to keep their doors open. We must ensure that aged care in rural Australia is not left behind.

The reforms proposed by this government are a step forward, but they must be thoroughly scrutinised. To be clear, this is Labor's package of reforms, and it hasn't been a co-designed process. That is why the committee process is critical. Submissions to the aged-care inquiry are now open and can be lodged on the community affairs committee website. If you, your family or your loved ones have ever engaged in the aged-care system—or are anyone in this country who has an interest—that is who we need to hear from. We must ensure that these reforms are treated with the transparency and accountability that our aged-care system deserves and that our older Australians deserve. We owe it to our older Australians to get this right. But we also owe it to young Australians, to ensure that they are not left with an unfair tax burden of an inefficient aged-care system at the same time they are struggling to buy and own their own homes. This is our chance to build an aged-care system that not only meets the challenges of today but stands the test of time for future generations.