Story perspectives

Senator Slams Aged Care Crisis as National Shame

1/30/2026

Left

Allman-Payne Critiques Aged Care

Senator Penny Allman-Payne (Greens) criticized the Labor government's handling of aged care as national shame.
She noted more than 266,000 people wait for aged care, and assessment times have risen by 22.7%.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley (Liberal) formed an interim Liberal shadow cabinet after splitting from the Nationals, setting a February 9 deadline.
Ley faces leadership challenges from Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor, but no resolution has been reached.

Right

Ley Reshuffles Frontbench

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley reshuffled the Liberal frontbench and announced temporary appointments to fill 11 vacancies after the Nationals left the Coalition, to keep parliamentary business moving.
Ley described the Nationals' departure as regrettable but not irreversible, stressing a stronger Liberal-National relationship.
Deputy Leader Ted O'Brien expressed confidence in Ley and cited her dignity and strength.
Ley is filling 11 frontbench vacancies after resignations from three senators sparked Coalition split.

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Allman-Payne Critiques Aged Care

Senator Penny Allman-Payne (Greens) criticized the Labor government's handling of aged care as national shame.
She noted more than 266,000 people wait for aged care, and assessment times have risen by 22.7%.
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley (Liberal) formed an interim Liberal shadow cabinet after splitting from the Nationals, setting a February 9 deadline.
Ley faces leadership challenges from Andrew Hastie and Angus Taylor, but no resolution has been reached.

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