MOTIONS › Minister Representing the Minister for Aged Care
Senator McGRATH (Queensland—Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) (15:55): I seek leave to make a short statement. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: Leave is granted for one minute. Senator McGRATH: As recorded in Hansard on Wednesday, 9 May 2018, Minister McKenzie stated: Over 50 per cent of those on the national waiting list are actually in an aged-care package. They're waiting for another type of package. Most of those in the queue are already receiving some form of care. Almost half are receiving a lower-level package and many others are receiving support through our record $5.5 billion investment in the Commonwealth Home Support Program, which assists around 800,000 older Australians, such as through Meals On Wheels. The minister's answer is consistent with the Department of Health's answers during budget estimates on 30 May 2018. Under this coalition government aged-care funding is up, home care packages are up and residential places are up. The DEPUTY PRESIDENT: The question is that general business notice of motion No. 830, as moved by Senator Urquhart, be agreed to.