Federal parliament's human rights committee is unusually torn, with Labor and the Greens arguing against the government to seek an urgent change to laws aimed at reducing restraints in aged care.
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Deputy chair of the traditionally bipartisan committee, Labor MP Graham Perrett, said the legislation created confusion that could lead to physical and chemical restrains being used without consent.
"The dissenting report recommends the instrument be disallowed," he told parliament on Tuesday.
"And a new instrument be urgently reintroduced that ensures there is informed consent for the use of chemical restraints, a reduction in the use of restraints, and oversight and effective reporting on the use of restraints."
It's the fourth time the human rights committee has been split during its seven-year existence, where more than 100 reports have been agreed on.
Liberal MP Celia Hammond said the federal legislation would sit atop similar state laws.
Getting rid of the federal bill would send the wrong message to the aged care sector, particularly given the scathing interim findings of a royal commission into the sector, she said.
Instead of starting afresh with a new bill, government members believe existing laws should be changed to make the issue of consent clearer.
They have also recommended the minister consult with stakeholders in a bid to create stronger rules.
Ms Hammond said the changes must make it clear restraints are only used as a last resort.
On Monday, the government committed half a billion dollars towards fixing problems in aged care, weeks after the royal commission released a damning interim report.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised $537 million to increase home care packages, reduce the use of chemical restraints and get younger people out of residential aged care.
Australian Associated Press
