The figures include 270 people who have died from the virus since the start of January and 66 deaths which occurred in the home.
Aged care workers have blasted the federal government for overlooking them in the budget,urging Labor to commit to funding a wage increase as providers warn of an ongoing staff exodus.
Crossbench senator Rex Patrick is calling on the government to deal with the bill before Parliament concludes ahead of the election.
The extension of the medical insurance scheme suggests the government is considering lowering the age of eligibility once international trials are completed.
Two studies have raised concerns about how much money is being spent on improving food for aged care residents.
South-west Sydney MP Dr Michael Freelander says action is needed to ensure adequate training and remuneration for aged care workers.
The Health Services Union may campaign against Labor heading into the May election if it is not convinced of the party’s preparedness to fund the aged care sector.
The federal government believes aged care homes are wasting money on allied health services such as physiotherapists.
Thousands of Queensland aged care workers are still waiting on Christmas penalties,and employer Blue Care has given no definitive date for when they’ll see their pay.
Under the “Plan B” proposal,each resident would pay a daily “rent” based on what their assets showed they could afford.
UnitingCare Australia’s national director said the aged care network undertook the analysis to emphasise “the scale of the challenge”.