Anthony Albanese has pledged $2.5 billion over four years towards "fixing" the aged care sector if Labor wins the upcoming federal election.
In his budget reply speech on Thursday evening, two days after , the Opposition leader announced his party's plan to "put security, dignity, quality and humanity back into aged care".
"Tonight, at the heart of my third budget reply is our plan to fix the crisis in aged care," Mr Albanese said.
"The global pandemic and a Royal Commission have confirmed what so many Australians already knew – our aged care system is in crisis.
"More of us are living long enough to need extra care in our later years.
"But currently that thought fills a generation of Australians and their families with dread."
Mr Albanese said the Liberals "have had a decade to do something about aged care".
"If they are left in power, nothing will change – and the bleak present they have created will be the bleak future awaiting so many more Australians," he said.
Labor's aged care spend would require every aged care facility to have a registered nurse onsite at all hours, along with a new mandate that would require each resident to receive a minimum of 215 minutes of care per day, following royal commission recommendations.
"Our older Australians aren't just a number, they aren't a burden, they are people who deserve respect, courtesy and the best possible attention," Mr Albanese told parliament.
He said Labor would work with multicultural communities to support culturally appropriate care, and give enhanced powers to the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner, requiring providers report their expenditures.
A Labor government would also support a wage rise for aged care workers, and work with the sector to develop mandatory nutrition standards for aged care homes, Mr Albanese said.
On Tuesday, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg which focused on cost of living, jobs and big picture investments in infrastructure and defence.
In it, the Coalition delivered a cost of living package described as "temporary and targeted," aimed at easing pressures from high fuel and rising food costs.
This included a halving of the fuel excise and one-off payments and tax cuts to help meet cost of living pressures.
Last year’s budget delivered billion-dollar spending promises to key sectors like aged care, mental health and the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
But with this spending now built into budget forecasts, further promises appeared more restrained this year.
A further $468.3 million was delivered towards continuing to implement the government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.
On Thursday night, Mr Albanese used his reply to label the budget as only an attempt to get the Coalition back in power.
"(This is) a budget for the next six weeks, when we need a plan for the next six years. The problem for this prime minister is that the Australian people have figured him out," he said.
"It was clear enough on Tuesday night that the Liberal and National parties think this budget will be enough to get them through the next election. The only jobs they are concerned about is their own."
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has previously said anyone who thinks the budget is only a bid for the government's re-election
Earlier on Thursday, Mr Morrison challenged the opposition leader to use his reply speech to outline an alternative budget.
Renewables, local manufacturing and cheaper childcare
Mr Albanese used his reply to set the stage for the election campaign.
"This agenda isn't radical. My team and I are promising renewal, not revolution," he said.
"I want the sacrifices all of you have made through these tough times to lead to a better future."
His speech outlined five pillars that would form Labor's plan to boost wages and get costs "under control".
These included driving investment and jobs in cheap, renewable energy, plans to boost local manufacturing and invest in infrastructure, along with more opportunities for training and cheaper childcare.
With AAP.
