Independent MPs and Senators raised the alarm back in June that the delay of the government’s aged care reforms would leave 80,000 people stranded on the waitlist for in-home support.
The parliamentarians signed an open letter calling on the government to fund, at a minimum, 20,000 new packages under the current Home Care Packages scheme, to bridge the gap until the rollout of reforms in November.
Crossbench pressure increased on the government last week, with questions from Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines to the Minister for Aged Care, a motion from Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie, and amendments to aged care legislation from independent Senator David Pocock and the Coalition.
Dr Haines said this was a win for older Australians and showed the impact of the crossbench in the interests of the nation.
“I think we have seen a victory today that will bring practical relief to 20,000 people waiting for a home care package,” Dr Haines said.
“This is proof of the positive and effective work the crossbench does across the parliament for the good of the nation.
“The government had consistently rejected calls from the crossbench and peak bodies to release more packages that would help hold the waitlist steady.
“I’m pleased that today the government has seen sense.”
The bill will now be returned to the House of Representatives.
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