Aged Care

Smith argued that the aged care system had been neglected by previous Liberal National Party governments, a finding supported by the royal commission. Smith highlighted the severe lack of residential aged care facilities in remote Indigenous communities, such as those north of Cairns, which prevented elders from ageing on country. Smith stated that the current government was actively working to rebuild the system, including delivering 83,000 aged care packages to help people stay in their homes. Smith dismissed the opposition's criticism as political point-scoring while significant work was underway to improve outcomes for older Australians.

Venning described the aged care situation as a ticking time bomb, exacerbated by the implementation of the new Aged Care Act on 1 November. Venning claimed that the lack of an education campaign had left elderly Australians confused about increased costs and that providers were raising prices. Venning cited the shortfall of 802 new beds against a need for 10,000, arguing this was causing elderly patients to be trapped in hospitals. Venning shared the story of a constituent with dementia who had been stuck in a hospital bed since January due to a lack of secure memory support units in the region.

Phillips acknowledged the challenges facing older residents in her electorate but attributed the systemic issues to the previous government's failure to maintain a fit-for-purpose system. Phillips highlighted the commencement of the new Aged Care Act and the Support at Home program as significant steps toward providing higher levels of care in community settings. Phillips emphasised the government's collaboration with state and territory governments to reduce the number of older people spending extended periods in hospitals. Phillips noted funding boosts for community groups that provide social support and entry points for aged care services.

Sharkie argued that aged care conditions had worsened over the past decade, citing difficulties in accessing Commonwealth Home Support Program places and high co-payment costs for self-funded retirees under the new Support at Home program. Sharkie stated that 116,000 people were waiting for assessments and 120,000 were waiting for packages, contributing to hospital bed blocking. Sharkie noted that only 578 net residential aged care places were funded in 2024-25, far below the required 10,000. Sharkie criticised the government for cutting funding for residential aged care and failing to deliver on promises to improve the system.

Clutterham emphasised the value and dignity of older Australians, stating that every day spent in hospital when inappropriate care is available is unacceptable. Clutterham highlighted the benefits of the new Aged Care Act and higher levels of home care in allowing people to recover without returning to clinical settings. Clutterham acknowledged that reforms take time but affirmed the government's commitment to achieving dignified care for all. Clutterham paid tribute to aged care staff and legal professionals who are helping to implement and navigate the new regulatory framework.

Batt supported the motion, noting that his electorate had a high proportion of older residents and long-term health conditions. Batt argued that the demand for aged care beds was dangerously high, with facilities being refused funding for expansion despite significant waitlists. Batt cited the cost of bed blocking to Queensland hospitals and shared the story of a resident with dementia who had been in hospital for months while her husband travelled daily to visit her. Batt stated that the government's failure to provide adequate beds was forcing elderly people to relocate away from their communities and straining public health resources.

Freelander stated that the aged care system had been neglected by coalition governments, leading to the royal commission's findings of unacceptable and unsustainable conditions. Freelander highlighted the new Aged Care Act and the $4.3 billion Support at Home program as significant turning points in reforming the sector from the ground up. Freelander noted investments in regulatory capacity and the allocation of 83,000 supported home places to reduce wait times. Freelander emphasised that the government was working with state governments to address hospital bed blocking and ensure long-term sustainability of the aged care system.