Federal opposition leader, Anthony Albanese has blasted Minister for Aged Care, Richard Colbeck over his handling of the current aged care health crisis.
Mr Albanese addressed a media conference this morning, where he called Mr Colbeck a failure.
“Richard Colbeck has been a failure in every portfolio he has ever held,” the Opposition Leader said.
“There’s some irony between him now being in charge of sport and in charge of aged care,” he said.
“The fact is that this government simply needs to do better. The fact that protective equipment is not available to all workers at these aged care facilities is quite shocking at this point in the pandemic.”
Mr Albanese claimed the current Federal Government was only interested in publicity, rather than delivery of services.
“It’s extraordinary that even after Newmarch and after other events we did not see a national response.”
“And the Federal Government has clear responsibility for aged care,” he said.
“The fact is that this government is always there for the photo op, but never there for the follow up,” he said.
“The fact is that this government, once they hear the sound of the camera shutter, they’re out of there. Not so much nick-on as nick-off.”
“That’s what this government does when it gets difficult to actually follow through.”
He said Prime Minister, Scott Morrison would need to face the music at the next parliamentary sitting.
“We need to have answers. Australians deserve answers. These workers who are putting themselves at risk in order to look after vulnerable elderly Australians deserve answers as well,” said Mr Albanese.
“And we can’t wait for the royal commission to get those answers. We need government responses. We need appropriate resources. We need support for staff right now.”
