The Labor government has fully funded all of the much-needed pay increases for aged care workers awarded by the Fair Work Commission. And they have made a commitment to fully funding the most recently awarded increases for aged care nurses to be finalised by August 2026.

Would a Dutton government walk back from this commitment? When in government the Coalition refused to commit to supporting aged care pay increases, depsite the Aged Care Royal Commission recommendation they do.

Would a Coalition government downsize the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission as part of its public sector cuts? This agency, along with it’s counterpart in the NDIS, is critical to eliminating the neglect and abuse of vulnerable people that was exposed by the Royal Commission.

A staff freeze affecting “back-office” staff in care quality and safety agencies would also mean fewer resources to stamp out unethical practices and rorting in care and support markets