Australians are rapidly losing trust in aged care during the coronavirus pandemic, with half considering taking their loved ones out of the system.
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A survey by Fifth Dimension found 54 per cent of 1000 respondents were thinking of moving their loved one into their own homes.
More than half of those surveyed said their confidence in aged care had decreased since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
The survey was conducted between July 31 to August 3 after deadly virus outbreaks at Sydney and Melbourne nursing homes.
Aged Care Minister Richard Colbeck made a statement to the Senate on Thursday outlining the government's aged care response.
He again apologised for not knowing at an inquiry last week how many nursing home residents had died from coronavirus, while saying aged care was the government's highest priority.
"I have been there, we have been there, every step of the way every day."
Labor continues to attack the coalition for failings in nursing homes, which have been linked to more than 300 coronavirus deaths.
Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese has outlined a plan to address critical issues in the troubled sector, saying it needs structural changes.
He pointed to the aged care royal commission's interim report, titled 'Neglect'.
"Neglect - that is the legacy of this government on aged care," Mr Albanese told the National Press Club.
"Older Australians in aged care and those who love them deserve far better than this."
Mr Albanese has urged the government to consider guaranteeing minimum staffing levels.
He wants the government to heed calls from aged care royal commissioners for independent measurement and public reporting of providers' performance.
The Labor plan also calls for a better surge workforce strategy, a key issue in devastating outbreaks.
Mr Albanese says the royal commission should be given extra resources to look specifically at coronavirus in the sector while not delaying its final report.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is continuing to defend his government's spending on the sector and preparedness for coronavirus.
He has rejected calls to dump embattled Senator Colbeck, who has come under heavy pressure this week.
The government has made qualified apologies about issues in the sector while also pointing to problems in Victoria's coronavirus protection regime and health response.
Mr Morrison believes Australia's strong performance by international standards is also a key consideration.
He has flagged further aged care funding in the October 6 budget.
Victoria has suffered another day of high coronavirus deaths, with 23 recorded on Thursday, taking the national toll to 572.
All but one of the deaths were in aged care.
The state recorded another 113 infections, with new cases below 150 for the fourth consecutive day.
NSW recorded nine new cases, all acquired from known sources.
Australian Associated Press
