MP slammed for 'disgraceful' effort during virus inquiry
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is standing by his aged care minister after he struggled through questioning at an inquiry probing the coronavirus response.
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck was on Friday unable to tell a Senate inquiry how many nursing home residents have died from coronavirus.
Senator Colbeck, who has apologised for mistakes made in the aged care response, had to rely on a department official to provide the figure.
The embarrassing moment comes as the government has seen pressure mount in recent weeks with the sector accusing the federal government, which oversees aged care, of not having a credible plan for the industry during the pandemic.
Despite the blunder, Mr Morrison says he has confidence in Senator Colbeck.
“I'm sure the minister regrets not being able to recall those figures to mind. On occasion I can't call every figure to mind,” the prime minister told reporters in Canberra.
“I think it's important to play the issue, not the man here.”
Not everyone has been so forgiving, with critics saying it highlighted the government’s neglect and disinterest in taking responsibility for the issue.
Greens senator Jordon Steele-John, a disability advocate, labelled Mr Colbeck’s ignorance “disgraceful”.
“The Aged Care Minister doesn't know how many people have died from COVID under his watch. Let that sink in,” said Greens leader Adam Brandt.
“Incredible,” said Labor Senator Penny Wong. “Minister Colbeck doesn’t care, or he’s incompetent. Either way, older Australians and their families deserve better.”
A total of 285 people living in government-subsidised residential aged care nationally have died from the virus, according to data from the health department website dated August 20.
During the questioning, Mr Colbeck spent nearly a minute trying in vain to find the answer.
“I’m struggling to believe you are not aware of these details,” replied senator Katy Gallagher who asked the question during the inquiry.
“After spending all week trying to duck and weave responsibility for the aged care crisis, this morning the Minister for Aged Care, Richard Colbeck, finally accepts that the Morrison Gov't is actually in charge. They were in charge and they failed,” she later wrote on Twitter.
This is the moment Scott Morrison's Minister for Aged Care couldn't answer how many people have died in the aged care homes they regulate.
How are they not across the most basic – and tragic – facts? pic.twitter.com/9jIk7pCT6f— Anthony Albanese (@AlboMP) August 21, 2020
Government announces more money for aged care
On Friday, Mr Morrison announced a further $171 million to help the sector battle coronavirus, with more funds flagged in the October budget.
Labor says most of the funding already committed to the sector hasn't been spent.
Aged care homes in Victoria are currently dealing with outbreaks, but coronavirus struck NSW facilities earlier this year.
Senator Colbeck received a report into Sydney's Dorothy Henderson Lodge in April, which warned about impacts on staffing levels.
The issue arose at St Basil's Homes for the Aged in Melbourne when all staff had to self-isolate, leaving the federal government to take over management.
Asked why there wasn't better preparation after Dorothy Henderson, Senate Colbeck insisted the scenarios were different.
"St Basil's was the entire workforce," he said. "Not just the care workforce but the entire workforce - everyone who worked in the facility - and that was something we had not seen previously."
Senator Colbeck said while there was no document for a workforce surge strategy, it was part of the overall public health response.
The aged care watchdog has conceded it should have done better after not telling the federal government a staff member at the Melbourne nursing home had tested positive.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission was told on July 10 the staff member had tested positive, but did not tell the health department for four days.
St Basil's has been linked to at least 20 deaths.
with AAP
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