STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Dr HAINES (Indi) (13:36): Older Australians should not be stuck on a months-long waiting list for Support at Home care that they've already been approved to receive, but right now that's exactly what's happening. In question time recently I raised the case of two constituents from Wodonga aged 85 and 90, who had done everything right. They were assessed and approved for home care and then told they would wait at least nine months for their funding to begin.

Nine months for people in their mid-80s and 90s—that's not just a delay; it's the very real difference between staying safely at home and ending up in hospital or worse. I asked the minister about their case, and their funding is now on its way. I'm relieved they're finally getting support, but this exposes a broader systemic failure.

Just yesterday, media reporting revealed more than 100,000 people approved for home-care packages are still waiting, with delays stretching out seven to eight months. The government says it's serious about aged-care reform, but that means nothing if people can't access the care when they need it. Older Australians deserve dignity and timely support, especially for fundamental care like showering, getting dressed, mobility and eating.

We need a system that works for everyone, not just for the people whose stories make it into question time.