Older Australians obviously haven't made that list of priorities.

Last Monday in Parliament I spoke about the alarming number of Australians waiting to receive their already approved home care packages through My Aged Care.

The latest Government report indicates there are more than 129,000 older Australians are waiting for their approved home care package and more than 75,000 older Australians on the waiting list have no home care package at all.

My office often hears from constituents in heartbreaking situations, like the woman who had to pay hundreds of dollars for her husband to be in the hospital because she couldn't care for him at home and his aged-care package hadn't been delivered despite waiting months. It's not uncommon to hear about people who know they are eligible for a level three or four package but apply for a level two because they know it'll be approved quicker than the package they desperately need. Older Australians in our community are entering residential aged care and emergency departments instead of receiving their approved home care package. So much for growing old in your own home in safety and dignity.

I ask the following question sincerely: what is the Liberal-National Government going to do to address this crisis?

They didn't have a policy before the election and their record shows this Government ripping thousands of jobs from the public service so the staff simply can't keep up with the demand.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 16,000 people in the electorate of Paterson - which includes Kurri Kurri, Maitland and Port Stephens - have provided unpaid care to a person in the past 12 months. Since 2017 the waitlist for home care has grown from 88,000 to more than 129,000 older Australians. Our population is aging and that population bubble is coming down the road, but this Government can't even cope with the demand on packages right now.

When I question the Government the first question I get back is often "what is Labor's policy?"

Labor lost the election. We are in the process of reviewing all of our policies because they didn't get us elected. The unfortunate reality is that for as long as the next three years, we will be in Opposition.

It is our job to hold this Government to account for the promises and commitments they have made and represent the Australians they have abandoned - like older Australians who are waiting for the home care package they are entitled to.

Where are we in Australia in 2019 when people are dying for the help they deserve and desperately need?

Seniors and Pensioners Information Kits are now available through my website and office. The kit includes helpful information about local services and pension entitlements available to older Australians, and how to access them. Go to merylswanson.com.au/seniorskit or call 4983 2401 to order your copy.