Leah Blyth (SA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Stronger Families and Stronger Communities) Share this | Hansard source

Many have been waiting over 15 months, and this figure doesn't include those still waiting to be assessed, which is about 120,000 older Australians. Together it is a staggering 200,000 Australians waiting for their approved package or for an assessment. This bill is proof that the government was not ready. It confirms what we heard in the Senate inquiry—that without this legislation critical elements of the Aged Care Act 2024 cannot be enacted. Department officials admitted that legislative change was needed as early as January, yet the government continued to promise readiness by 1 July, a promise they could not keep.

Despite this the coalition will not seek to delay the passage of this bill, because without it the aged-care rules cannot be registered and the reforms cannot proceed. Australians deserve better than another broken promise. Importantly this bill provides the framework for grandfathering arrangements, ensuring that those already in residential aged care on a home-care package or waiting for one will not see changes to their existing arrangements. This upholds the no-worse-off principle and protects the rights of older Australians. We also fought for fairer contribution caps. We advocated for a lower taker rate and the maintenance of a lifetime cap on care contributions. We oppose Labor's arbitrary caps on access to cleaning and gardening, caps that this bill now removes from the primary legislation. During a cost-of-living crisis these services are not luxuries; they are necessities.

Aged-care reform is not just about legislation; it is about people. It is about the grandmother who needs help to stay in her home, the veteran who deserves respect in his final years and the carer who is stretched to breaking point. This government has failed to deliver on its promises. The delay in home-care packages is a national crisis. The waitlist has tripled under Labor's watch. Minister Rae must urgently deliver the promised 83,000 packages and provide certainty to providers planning for workforce demands. The coalition supports this bill with amendments. We will continue to hold the government accountable, demand transparency and advocate for those who have been left behind. Older Australians deserve better than another broken promise, and we will not support a process that puts politics before people.

(Quorum formed)