Sam Rae (Hawke, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the Leader of the Opposition for her question. It is always saddening to hear of older Australians, whether they are in care or awaiting care, passing away. I extend my deepest condolences to any family who faces that affliction. The decision to briefly defer the Aged Care Act was a difficult one that I made in consultation along with my colleagues. Minister Butler and I announced that brief deferral, and we did it after an extensive consultation. When I first became the minister, I spent many days and weeks speaking to older people across our country, speaking to the workers who care for them and speaking to the providers who provide their care. The overwhelming feedback that was provided was that there needed to be a brief deferral to ensure the continuity and quality of care for older Australians. Some months have passed since then, but perhaps it would be helpful if I were to refresh the parliament's memory about how that was received.

See this speech in context