Labor Deputy Leader Richard Marles has re-affirmed that there will be 24/7 nurses despite Mark Dreyfus’ comments on the ABC.

Anthony Albanese has promised to mandate 24/7 nurses in aged care, clarifying that providers will be given ‘flexibility’ if they cannot find enough staff.

Mr Albanese said in his federal budget reply speech that Labor would bring forward laws requiring aged care homes to roster a nurse in each home around the clock to July 2023.

This is a year earlier than the government’s commitment.

However, Shadow Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus told the ABC on Monday evening, that the 24/7 nursing requirement could be ‘paused’ if a Labor government failed to grow the workforce in time.

Richard Marles confirmed Albanese’s comments, telling Joe Hildebrand, “We’ve committed to doing this”.

“Improving wages is the way we retain nurses in the sector.”

He also confirmed that Labor will not be raising taxes.

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