Federal Aged Care Minister Sam Rae vowed he’s “listening” after arriving in Perth, but made no promises to quickly address the shortage that has been blamed for the State’s hospital crisis.

Mr Rae told industry leaders it was “unfortunate” that he had lost his voice, and didn’t take questions outside a round-table discussion.

Inside, he apologised for sounding “raspy” and promised to continue to work with the State Government.

“We’ll always pitch in where we can, that’s my absolute commitment to you,” Mr Rae said.

“We’ve provided over the last number of years $60 million to deliver three projects to tackle delayed discharge.

“We’ve also delivered $64 million for over 17 projects in WA of the First to Aged Care capital assistant program.

“In acknowledging those efforts, I’ll also be v

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