QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator WONG (South Australia—Minister for Foreign Affairs and Leader of the Government in the Senate) (14:51): I'm sorry I don't recall her surname, but Audrey's case sounds extremely distressing. But what I would say is that we agree that every older Australian should be able to promptly access the aged-care needs that they require. I understand Ms Staniland's case is something the minister is aware of.

I'm advised that Minister Rae has asked the department to look into the circumstances raised by Ms Staniland and her family. I would make the point that the principle should be that Australians are entitled to expect they can promptly access aged care appropriate for their needs. I acknowledge that more work needs to be done, and the minister is working through the implementation of a system that is new, a system which also saw, in this budget, the investment of an additional $3.7 billion in aged care.

Senator Ruston: Fix the mess that you made. Senator WONG: I'll take the interjection from Senator Ruston, who insists on forgetting that you presided over a period in aged care which a royal commission described as neglect. So, for you to come in here, Senator Ruston, in the way you have, you ought to remember and bear on your conscience that you presided, in your government, over a system that was described as neglect.

We are putting in an additional $3.7 billion, just in this budget, and we are working to ensure more care is provided. The position that Ms Staniland was in is not what we want older Australians to experience, and Minister Rae has asked that the matter be reviewed. (Time expired) The PRESIDENT: Senator Colbeck, first supplementary?