STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS

Dr WEBSTER (Mallee) (16:27): I rise this afternoon to speak once again about aged care and the fact that are so many people have contacted my office. I don't use the word 'inundated'—with calls and emails—lightly. It is absolutely true.

There are people who have been waiting on support at home to arrive, people who can't get assessed, people who are assessed and then have to wait until they can find a provider and people who can't get into residential aged care and are stuck in a hospital bed. It has just been horrendous. So, on 23 September in Mildura, I'm running a tri-state aged-care forum and am really thrilled to be able to do that.

We have over 100 people coming so far, both providers and, really importantly, constituents—people who are struggling to have their voice heard. Dr Nick Coatsworth, a friend of mine, will be facilitating that event. People will know his name; he's frequently on Channel 9.

He's also an associate professor at the ANU, currently in Medicine and Health. He's also an expert in infectious diseases and respiratory medicine. I welcome anyone from around the region who would like to attend.