QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

Senator McALLISTER (New South Wales—Minister for the National Disability Insurance Scheme) (14:27): Aged-care nurses do an incredible job. They look after our loved ones. They deserve more than gratitude; they deserve fair pay.

It's why this year we delivered the fifth wage increase for aged-care nurses. Since 2022, enrolled nurses on the most common level and pay point will have seen their wage increase by almost $32,000 per year. Better pay for nurses means aged-care homes can attract and retain nurses.

It helps build a stronger workforce, and it helps deliver higher quality care. We know that this is important as Australians are living longer and living healthier lives. But not everyone in this place agrees.

In fact, the response from the current leader of the opposition was to complain that these workers are 'disproportionately unionised' and have received 'hefty pay increases'. Those opposite see the fair wages for aged-care nurses as a problem. We see it as an investment in the care that older Australians deserve.