QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (14:59): This month, the Albanese Labor government delivered the fifth wage increase for aged-care nurses, because we believe that aged-care nurses deserve more than gratitude; they deserve fair pay for their essential work. This increase means that, since 2022, a registered nurse on the most common classification will have seen their pay increase by more than $36,000 a year.

Better pay for aged-care nurses means that aged-care homes and facilities can attract and retain nurses, delivering higher quality, more consistent care. It tells you everything about those opposite that when this government fixes a historic wage injustice, the Leader of the Opposition's response is to complain that these workers are disproportionately unionised and that they've received hefty pay increases.

What a disgrace! (Time expired)