Helen Haines (Indi, Independent) Share this | Hansard source

I too rise to speak in support of the Aged Care Legislation Amendment (Emergency Leave) Bill 2020. I do so with great pleasure. This is an important amendment. Mother's Day last Sunday must have been particularly hard for thousands of mothers in aged-care facilities. For many it would have meant for the first time seeing their children and grandchildren through a pane of glass or a cold, flat screen on this special day—horrible, but necessary. It's likely that these restrictions have prevented widespread outbreaks in our aged-care facilities to date, but indeed the cruellest irony of this pandemic is that the best way to love someone is to keep away from them. The heartbreak for families is profound.

The coronavirus pandemic is testing the aged-care sector in ways it could never have imagined. Facilities have plans in place for infectious diseases, such as influenza or a gastro outbreak. Coronavirus makes these pale in comparison. These times call for exceptional courage on all fronts. Older Australians living in aged-care facilities, having seen a lifetime of ups and downs, are now the ones most vulnerable to this pandemic. The aged-care workforce, working part time or casually—and many are from overseas—are doing hard work with dedication and care. Like so many other members of this place, I add my words of thanks and gratitude to them.

The aged-care facility management are making tough calls, balancing the respect and dignity of their residents with the care and protection of them and their staff. I know how this feels. Prior to coming to this place I was on the board of such an aged-care facility—St Catherine's aged care in Wangaratta—and I know that balancing the needs of residents, the needs of families and the compelling needs for protection is very difficult indeed.

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