QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:05): I always am willing to do the Senate the courtesy of adding to an answer if I can, Senator Ruston, but I'd again say to you that all of us understand that there are real pressures on aged care. There have been for years. We all know the grief and trauma that comes from having older Australians— The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston, on a point of order?

Senator Ruston: I would ask if the minister is prepared to take it on notice— The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston, that's not a point of order. Senator Ruston: That was my only question. Senator WONG: This is about people, and we understand it's about people.

It's not about politics; it's about people. And that is why the government has put additional funds into aged care. The minister is working hard to implement a new system.

I absolutely accept that that system is not delivering— Senator Ruston interjecting— The PRESIDENT: Senator Ruston, you need to be listening in respectful silence, as well as other senators who were also disorderly. Senator WONG: I accept that this system needs to deliver more. We all understand that.

We also understand the challenges. That is what the minister is working through, and that is why the government has put more resources into the system. (Time expired)