John,

Welcome to Labor’s Senate Select(ions) – a wrap of the latest developments from the Senate.

Labor Senators returned to Canberra this week with a singular focus – the crisis in our aged care system.

What we have seen is an absolute tragedy – more than 370 deaths and more than 1000 active cases.

Aged care is a Federal responsibility. Quite simply – the Morrison Government has failed to protect residents and Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck must go.

MORE “HUBRIS” AND “SELF-CONGRATULATION”

We’ve previously heard from the counsel assisting the aged care Royal Commission that the Morrison Government acted with “hubris” and “self-congratulation” by not learning the lessons from aged care outbreaks in Sydney, and implementing a plan to stop it happening again.

This week there was more of that hubris on display – as Senator Colbeck boasted to the Senate 97 per cent of aged care facilities in Australia had no COVID-19 infected residents, claiming that number represented a “a high watermark”.

The families of those affected by this tragedy told us Mr Morrison and Senator Colbeck’s use of that number was a slap in the face.

THE WARNINGS WERE THERE

Every question Labor asked of the Government was directed at the Aged Care Minister – including contributions from some of our Victorian colleagues who were still able to contribute remotely.

It’s clear the warnings were there – but there no answers from Senator Colbeck.

THE MINISTER WALKS AWAY FROM SCRUTINY

All of us have heard the harrowing cases of neglect. These are the people we are supposed to be representing in Parliament.

But as Labor sought to hold the Minister accountable – he instead scurried from the Senate chamber turning his back on scrutiny.

WORKERS DESERVE BETTER

At the frontline of this crisis are the workers.

They deserve to know when they show up for a shift that there will be adequate protective equipment for them – they shouldn’t have to choose which hand to put a glove on.

And they deserve training in infection control – for their protection, and the protection of those they care for.

This week Anthony Albanese laid out Labor’s plan for aged care – you can see it here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this week’s Labor Senate Select(ions).

Please stay safe and stay healthy.

Senator Penny Wong
Labor Leader in the Senate