House debates Questions without Notice
Dementia and Severe Behaviours Supplement
Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
3:03 pm
My question is to the Prime Minister.
Mr Snowdon interjecting—
Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
My question is still to the Prime Minister. It has been confirmed in the other chamber that his government is scrapping the aged-care dementia and severe behaviours supplement. Why is this Prime Minister now ripping away money from our most vulnerable senior Australians, those in residential care with dementia? Just how low can you go?
Christopher Pyne Sturt, Liberal Party, Minister for Education
Madam Speaker, while the House has been focusing on so-called imputations, the last part of the Leader of the Opposition's question was rude and unnecessary, and he should withdraw.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
The Leader of the House makes a valid point. The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw the last part of his question.
Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
Yes, I withdraw that. The question I asked—
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
And you will resume your seat, and the Prime Minister can have the call.
Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
Surely I should rephrase it.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
No, it is not necessary. You have merely withdrawn the unacceptable part.
Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
I accept that everyone knows what I meant.
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
The Leader of the Opposition will withdraw that remark as well.
Bill Shorten Maribyrnong, Australian Labor Party, Leader of the Opposition
Of course, Madam Speaker. I withdraw.
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
3:04 pm
It is true that this particular supplement has been withdrawn. The problem with this particular supplement—
Mr Shorten interjecting—
Mrs Bronwyn Bishop Speaker
You have asked a question, Leader of the Opposition. Desist!
Tony Abbott Warringah, Liberal Party, Prime Minister
When it was introduced by the former government in the 2013 budget, it was estimated to cost $11.7 million. Because the former government was not very good at making these kinds of forecasts, it has ended up costing $110 million, so there has been a tenfold blow-out in expenditure. There has been a tenfold blow-out in expenditure under this supplement. The supplement has therefore been withdrawn, but the government are consulting with the sector to try to ensure that we can bring in a better way of dealing with this particular problem. I table the minister's press release.