Senator SCULLION (Northern Territory—Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Leader of The Nationals in the Senate) (14:11): Can I thank those opposite for making this a week of serious investigation into aged care. With only one other question this year, it's a real relief that we can actually focus on this matter. There is an increase in demand for home care because seniors have chosen—and we are the party of choice—to stay in their homes rather than move into residential care. That's a choice that they have made. So the demand, especially for high-level packages—level 3 or 4—continues to increase. This is a reflection of the desire of older Australians to remain in their homes as long as possible. So this government is addressing this demand through an additional $1.6 billion investment— The PRESIDENT: Senator Scullion, please resume your seat. Senator Bilyk on a point of order. Senator Bilyk: Yes, the point of order is relevance. It was very simple. It was one question, no preamble: how many older Australians are currently on the government's home care package waiting list? Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! I will make a ruling when there's silence. It was a very specific question. I have been listening very carefully to the minister's answer. He's been speaking for 51 seconds. He has a minute and nine remaining to come to the question and answer. Senator Scullion. Senator SCULLION: As I was indicating, there are more people than ever before receiving home care packages. The number of people in care has increased by 13.5 per cent over the year. It's gone from 68,657 people—that was on 31 December 2016. A year later, on 31 December 2017, we had 77,918 people. That is why we're investing more than $74,000, which, can I say, is an increase of 86 per cent— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Scullion. Senator Polley? Senator Polley: On a point of order—it's well documented; your own minister released a figure of 108,000 as of March— The PRESIDENT: Senator Polley— Senator Polley: So he's not being relevant. The PRESIDENT: I'm going to ask that when people stand on a point of order they do not start by making a political point but actually make it clear what the point of order is about. That's not a point of order, Senator Polley. Senator Scullion. Senator SCULLION: So, as I've indicated, we're providing for home care, in the context of a request from older Australians to stay at home, an increase of 86 per cent in those particular packages. And to put this in context— The PRESIDENT: Order, Senator Scullion. Senator Wong on a point of order? Senator Wong: The point of order goes to direct relevance. There was only one question, which was: how many Australians are currently on the home care package waitlist? If the minister doesn't have a brief on that, could he take it on notice, please? The PRESIDENT: Senator Scullion, it was a very specific question. You've got 15 seconds to continue your answer. I remind you of the specific nature of the question. Senator SCULLION: Thank you. I'm just contextualising the group of people because you need to understand that only half of those on the queue are already receiving care. So most of the people who are receiving— (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator Bilyk.