Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians) Share this | Hansard source

Actually, Senator Polley's not correct with the number of people who've died as a result of COVID in aged care. The number is 693. Eight people who had been receiving home-care packages have also tragically passed away. To each one of those 693 families and their communities, I extend my sincerest condolences and the condolences of the government. It's a tragedy that we've had to suffer the pandemic that we have this year. I think, as we come to Christmas, it is the pertinent thing for us to do to reflect on the year that we've had, to reflect on the tragedy that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought upon us all and to again extend our sincere condolences to all of those families who have suffered a death because of the effects of the pandemic.

As I said earlier, when I was asked about my position, I will continue to work at the pleasure of the Prime Minister with respect to my portfolio responsibilities. I take my role in this place and in my portfolio extremely seriously. We are in the middle of a very significant reform process. I look forward to the final report of the royal commission, which is due on 26 February. I continue to work with my department and my colleagues on the reforms that we will bring to this place off the back of the royal commission report. I continue to apply myself to the role, which is the responsibility that the Prime Minister's given me, and I will continue to do that, hopefully, through the process that we'll go through with the reshuffle.