Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee

Senate Estimates hearing,

Searchable transcript of the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee, 11 Feb 2026 Senate Estimates hearing, with chapters: Cross-Portfolio Matters and Document Tabling, Home Care Package Waitlists and Data, Funding and Interim Support Packages, Prioritization Algorithms and Assessment…

Chapters

  1. Cross-Portfolio Matters and Document Tabling (0:00)

    The committee opens with procedural rules and addresses cross-portfolio matters, including disputes over the tabling of overdue reports and correspondence.

  2. Home Care Package Waitlists and Data (25:46)

    Officials provide data on home care package waitlists and discuss the expected timelines for reporting updated program statistics.

  3. Funding and Interim Support Packages (35:50)

    The department explains the rationale behind interim 60% funding packages and addresses budget allocations for the Support at Home program.

  4. Prioritization Algorithms and Assessment Tools (50:16)

    Senators inquire about the algorithms used to prioritize aged care access and the tracking of mortality data for those on waiting lists.

  5. Aged Care Infrastructure and Respite (1:06:20)

    Discussion focuses on a new aged care facility in Darwin and concerns regarding community access to respite care services during program transitions.

  6. Budget Measures and Staffing Expenditure (1:29:22)

    The committee examines MYEFO budget measures and questions departmental expenditure on leadership training for senior executives.

  7. Quality Standards and Star Ratings (2:28:03)

    The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission addresses the accuracy of the star rating system and provider compliance with safety standards.

  8. Care Minutes and Workforce Management (2:36:51)

    Officials discuss mandatory care minute targets, the financial impact of non-compliance, and trends in agency staff usage across the sector.

  9. Resident Rights and Visitor Bans (2:57:12)

    The committee explores the legal basis for visitor bans in aged care facilities and the treatment of Stolen Generations redress payments in asset testing.

  10. Support at Home Pricing and Hardship (3:27:22)

    Senators question the implementation of price caps for home care services and the processing of hardship applications for vulnerable participants.

  11. Assessment Accuracy and Appeals Process (5:00:05)

    The department addresses concerns regarding the accuracy of the integrated assessment tool and the efficiency of the formal appeals process.

  12. Hospital Bed Block and Agreements (5:31:04)

    Discussion turns to delayed hospital discharges, known as bed block, and the status of intergovernmental health reform agreements.

  13. First Nations Health and Social Cohesion (6:22:16)

    The committee reviews AHPRA's response to antisemitism, First Nations health outcomes, and suicide prevention initiatives under Closing the Gap.

  14. Women's Health and Medical Regulation (8:06:50)

    Senators inquire about women's health safety regarding Asherman syndrome and TGA regulatory actions concerning sunscreen recalls and vaccine safety.