Katy Gallagher (ACT, Australian Labor Party, Minister for the Public Service) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Tyrrell. I really do appreciate a question that doesn't seek to demonise migrants coming into this country. It is a refreshing change, I think, and a different approach to the one that has been taken by others in this place.

In relation to aged care, it is essential that we are able to staff all of the care requirements that people need, whether that be in their homes or in aged-care facilities, or for those requiring more acute care in the hospital setting. We know that, over the last financial year, 21,000 healthcare workers came into Australia on skilled visas. That gives you a sense of the magnitude. Those 21,000 obviously will complement the skills of the experienced staff that we have working here as citizens, not on those visa arrangements. That gives you a sense of the magnitude, and this is going to continue. We know from all of the projections that we are going to need to continue to attract migrants in order to help us cover these job opportunities.