QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Ms SHARKIE (Mayo) (14:17): My question is to the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors. Fred is a full pensioner with a level 3 home-care package. Today his package covers his needs to stay home.

Fred has been advised that, once Support at Home starts this Saturday, he will pay $21.87 out of pocket for each hour of cleaning, gardening and meal preparation. Fred can't afford this and says he'll be forced to cancel his care package. Can the minister explain how Fred not being able to afford home care is putting the 'care' into 'aged care'?