Take Note Debate
Senate · Tuesday 18 August 2026
Official Hansard for this day (APH) · Read this debate on OpenAustralia
Senators debated the government's management of the aged care sector, focusing on long waiting lists, deaths while waiting for packages, and the controversial integrated assessment tool. Opposition senators argued that the current system is flawed and has led to a crisis, while government senators defended their record by citing significant funding increases and the rigorous testing of new assessment methods. The debate also touched upon proposed caps on allied health services for veterans.
Question agreed to.
Summary in reported speech - not a transcript. AI-generated, so check the official record before quoting.
Opened the debate
Liddle criticised the government's transparency and accountability regarding aged care, highlighting record waiting times in South Australia. Liddle argued that the integrated assessment tool was flawed and acted like a lottery for older Australians. Liddle called for the return of human override to the assessment process and condemned the high number of deaths among those waiting for care packages.
O'Neill defended the government's record, noting that the previous administration had neglected the sector, leading to a royal commission. O'Neill highlighted the government's investment of $47 billion in aged care and $3.7 billion to make home care more affordable. O'Neill argued that the government was actively working to reduce wait times and improve the system for ageing Australians.
Colbeck argued that the previous government had significantly reduced waiting lists before the current administration took office. Colbeck claimed that the new system had caused waiting lists to skyrocket, with over 150,000 people waiting in the last year. Colbeck criticised the government for rejecting amendments to introduce human decision-making into the assessment tool and for cutting private health insurance rebates for seniors.
Ananda-Rajah detailed the development and testing of the integrated aged-care assessment tool, citing trials involving thousands of participants. Ananda-Rajah explained that the low review rate indicated the tool's effectiveness but acknowledged the stress on families. Ananda-Rajah announced a rapid review of the tool and a commitment to legislating an escalation pathway for those falling through the cracks.
Blyth reiterated the opposition's criticism of the aged care system, stating that the waiting list had grown exponentially under the current government. Blyth also raised concerns about proposed caps on allied health services for veterans, arguing that this would negatively impact those who served in the military. Blyth accused the government of failing both older Australians and veterans.