The Labor Government has introduced its long-awaited Aged Care Bill into Parliament, marking a significant step towards reforming Australia's aged care system. The support from the Coalition demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring a strong and sustainable system that can meet the needs of an aging population.

Recognizing the urgent need for reform, the Coalition has engaged in constructive negotiations with the Government to ensure that any changes are fair, transparent, and provide dignity for older Australians.

Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton says "We have fought hard to make sure that Australians who have worked hard all their lives to save for their retirement are dealt a fairer deal. We achieved the inclusion of grandfathering arrangements so that no Australian already on their aged care journey will pay a cent more than they currently do; lifetime caps on contributions to give certainty to the maximum amount any Australian will ever have to pay; a much lower taper rate to slow the rate that contributions increase; and we got assurances that the Federal Government will remain the majority funder of aged care - not the consumer."

The Coalition has always recognised that rural and regional aged care homes face unique challenges and need more support from the Government.

"That is why we fought for additional funding of $300 million to support aged care providers in the bush, who are struggling to remain open under the Labor Government. This is in addition to the increase in care funding that will be directed to these communities over coming months. I look forward to seeing the Government have an open conversation with older Australians, their families and the sector about the proposed reforms, particularly through the open and transparent Senate Inquiry process." Coulton admits.