Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Certainly one of the things that was absolutely a priority was to make sure that we moved with great speed so that nobody got left behind and nobody was forgotten during this pandemic. The other side quickly forgets how extraordinary the circumstances were that we found ourselves in in March this year. Can I also acknowledge the respectful and collaborative way in which those at the other end of the chamber sought to work with me to provide me with information so that I knew what was going on in the sector. They didn't seek to come in here and publicise it. I acknowledge Senator Steele-John particularly, who picked up the phone regularly to raise issues with me that were of great concern to him, and we did our best to make sure that we resolved those. Just as a matter of some interest, I'd also point out that the royal commission did not speak to those who I would probably consider to be the two most senior public servants. It did not speak to the deputy secretary, disability or the CEO of the NDIA to get more information about the issues.