Labor is facing a raft of changes to its $5.6 billion aged care bill in the final sitting fortnight of the year. Source: The Australian.
The Coalition is demanding the Government provide “clear timelines” for the reforms and a commitment never to reduce aged care places.
Passing the milestone bill – which includes a $4.3 billion investment in a new system of home care – is among Anthony Albanese’s top priorities before Parliament rises for the year, along with legislation increasing the salaries of early childhood educators, a new school funding agreement and reforming indexation of HECS loans.
While the Coalition promised not to amend the Government’s financial framework of the bill, which will see wealthier older Australians pay more for everyday care costs, it has sought dozens of other changes to the legislation.
In additional comments to the Senate committee report into the legislation, which ultimately recommended it be passed, Coalition senators called for more than 30 amendments to improve the proposed reforms.
“Coalition senators have concerns that the bill contains several shortcomings that should be remedied for the bill to deliver on its stated purposes and outcomes,” the additional comments read.
Opposition aged care spokeswoman Anne Ruston said the Coalition had been critical of the Government for its refusal to provide the extensive and unseen rules associated with the aged care bill, and demanded they be released before the bill came to a final vote.
“The Coalition will be fighting for further amendments to reflect the important concerns raised through the inquiry process, including to ensure clear transition timelines, an education campaign to increase older Australians’ understanding of the changes, and ongoing opportunities for all Australians to have a say on the Government’s legislation,” she said.
Aged Care Minister Anika Wells would not be drawn on whether Labor would agree to any of the amendments, saying “the Albanese Government will continue to engage with all parliamentarians to pass urgent generational reform by the end of the year, so older Australians can reap the benefits of improved aged care”.
FULL STORY
Aged care bill faces changes from Coalition (By Sarah Ison, The Australian)
