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

I move:

That the amendments be agreed to.

The Albanese Labor government is continuing to deliver generational aged-care reforms. This amending legislation before the House will get the system ready for the Albanese government's once-in-a-generation reforms to our aged-care system. The legislation paves the way for a smooth transition to the new Aged Care Act, making sure the new Support at Home program and strengthened aged-care quality standards operate effectively. Paired with the new act, the legislation continues our work, delivering 58 recommendations of the royal commission to create a fairer system that puts older Australians at the centre of their care. This latest step will give providers more clarity to prepare clients, support workers and ready systems for the act's historic changes.

The government has consulted with older people, their families and carers, providers, workers peak bodies, union representatives, health professionals, academics and aged-care advocates every step of the way on these aged-care reforms. We've engaged in positive constructive negotiations with the opposition over this sitting period, and we are grateful for their genuine desire to help us build a better aged-care system. Our government is getting on with the job of delivering generational change to make sure that every older Australian can live with the best care, dignity and support. The passage of this bill brings the reform process one step closer. We're one step closer to bringing the key recommendation of the royal commission to fruition with a new rights based Aged Care Act that delivers the dignified care that older Australians deserve.

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