QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (14:53): Thank you, Senator, for that question. It is always sad to hear about an older Australian who has died, and it is always sad to hear about an older Australian who has died waiting for care. It underlines the reason why the reforms that we are making to the aged-care system are so significant and so important.

Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator McALLISTER: We know that older Australians have spent their lives caring for their children, building communities and contributing to this country, and they deserve to live the rest of their lives with dignity and respect and love. And it is why we are making the reforms that we are making.

Of course, we come to government with significant work to do because the previous government— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Order! Senator McALLISTER: the Liberal government—the government that so many people on the opposition benches were part of—cut $2½ billion out of the sector. And they failed to— Opposition senators interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator, please resume your seat.

I've called for order two or three times. Show respect. Order!

If you have so much to say, put your name on the adjournment list tonight. But right now, in question time, the interjections need to stop. Minister, please continue.

Senator McALLISTER: Those opposite were part of a government that cut $2½ billion from the sector. They failed to meet— The PRESIDENT: Minister McAllister, please resume your seat. Senator Liddle?

Senator Liddle: On relevance, how many more will die? The PRESIDENT: The minister is being relevant to your question, Senator Liddle, and I'll continue to listen carefully. Senator McALLISTER: Those opposite failed to meet the growing need for home care.

And the royal commission revealed what was happening on their watch: neglect. Aged-care workers could get paid more stacking shelves than looking after older Australians. And we know that investments are necessary.

We want older Australians to have the freedom, the support and the choices that they ask for to remain at home and to stay in the community that they love. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Liddle, first supplementary?