STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Mr BATT (Hinkler—Deputy Nationals Whip) (13:39): What did older Australians do to deserve to be treated so badly by this Labor government? The electorate of Hinkler is serviced by the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service, and, at last count, 117 mostly elderly people remain stuck in our hospitals even though they're fit for discharge. What is the problem?

Labor's failure to properly fund aged-care places. The system remains broken. I'm working alongside the state member for Hervey Bay in urging this government for a much fairer go.

While 117 people remain stranded in Hinkler's hospitals, that figure is well over 1,000 across the state of Queensland. People are stranded with nowhere to go, and the impact is felt across the entire health system with fewer beds, increased pressure on patient flow and longer waits. Small, standalone not-for-profits like Forest View Care in Childers, a residential support service, are giving up.

These are the words of general manager, Andrew: Forest View has 170 people on the waiting list—but despite countless attempts and tireless advocacy for more beds—support from Labor is nowhere to be seen! .. instead, constant rejection. Any aged-care funding increase by Labor is falling short of the rising cost of delivering care. How can Hinkler, an electorate that has the second highest percentage of people aged over 65 in the country, and the highest percentage of people living with one or more long-term health conditions, not be on this government's radar for more aged-care beds.

When will Labor stop short-changing older Australians?