Politics with Michelle Grattan
News:Politics
Had the 2019 election panned out differently, Chris Bowen would have been the treasurer coping with Australia's current economic crisis.
Instead, as shadow health minister, he has been critical of aspects of the government's handling of the health issues, especially its failure to act earlier and more comprehensively to secure access to potential vaccines.
With Labor homing in on aged care, which has seen the deaths of hundred of residents, Bowen in this podcast questionsd the performance of the regulator, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
"I was frankly shocked by a number of things.
"I was shocked by the fact the regulator was informed by St Basil's, [that] they had a positive case – and on the face of it, did nothing. I've seen no evidence that they actually did anything about it. Their defence is it was somebody else's job - we had no role to play.
"I just don't think that cuts the mustard for a regulator.
"I was surprised to learn that no-notice or very short notice inspections had [ by the regulator] ceased during the pandemic.
"I think these are problematic decisions which the regulator is accountable for, and I do have deep concerns about [them].
"And as a parliamentarian, I am expressing the view that there have been shortcomings [by the regulator] and I've yet to see an adequate explanation for those."
a four-stage plan and a $300 payment to get vaccinated
Bob Brown on his latest environmental battle, and a critique of Labor
Word from The Hill: three states in lockdown
Barnaby Joyce on net zero 2050, a coal-fired power station – and how resources is (sort of) in cabinet
Word from the Hill: Julia Banks and international travel caps
Jacinta Price's parliamentary agenda
Word from The Hill: the return to lockdown
Sussan Ley and Terri Butler on the Great Barrier Reef being 'in danger'
Word from The Hill: Australia's new Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce, climate policy and UNESCO
Acting PM Michael McCormack on net zero 2050 and prospects for a new coal-fired power station
Word from The Hill: the Biloela Tamil family, G7 and the upcoming parliamentary fortnight
Rex Patrick on Freedom of Information and Australia's submarines
Word from The Hill
Mark Butler on the vaccine rollout and democracy in the Labor Party
Katy Gallagher on the battle to hold the government to account
Richard Colbeck on aged care and the Olympics
Simon Birmingham and Jim Chalmers on a big spending budget
what should the budget do for women? Jennifer Westacott (BCA) and Michele O'Neil (ACTU)
former ASIO head David Irvine on the cyber threats Australia faces
military ‘watch-dog’ Neil James on Afghanistan, China, and Peter Dutton
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