Examining a sector in need of care - Aged Care Royal Commission
The Australian Government has announced the appointment of Commissioners to conduct a Royal Commission to examine and make findings relevant to the aged care sector. The Commissioners, former WA Supreme Court Judge Justice Joseph McGrath and former Medicare CEO Lynelle Briggs AO, have been instructed to focus on a range of matters including the following:
- Quality of aged care services and how well they meet the needs of the aged;
- Extent of substandard care or abuse;
- Causes of system-wide failures; and
- Future challenges and opportunities in light of changing demographics and preferences.
The Royal Commission can require relevant persons and organisations to give evidence, which will include aged care management and staff. The Royal Commission may also ask members of the public with relevant stories to come forward. The Commissioners have been requested to provide an interim report by 31 October 2019. The final report is due by 30 April 2020 and is expected to include recommendations for reform of the aged care sector.
