The Hon Anika Wells MP
Minister for Aged Care
Minister for Sport
The Albanese Labor Government has announced it will conduct a capability review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission.
Minister for Aged Care the Hon. Anika Wells today confirmed that the capability review would proceed after the former Morrison Government failed to act on the Royal Commission recommendation.
“Australians told us that quality and safety in aged care is of utmost importance, and the Albanese Labor Government is progressing this review,” Minister Wells said.
“The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is responsible for protecting and improving the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life for older Australians receiving funded aged care services.
“It is critical that the Commission is fit for purpose.”
This review will consider whether the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission has the appropriate resources, workforce, necessary regulatory and investigatory skills, clinical knowledge, assessment skills and enforcement skills, to meet its regulatory responsibilities and keep older Australians safe.
The review will report back in the first half of 2023.
“We will continue to work closely with the Commission to deliver the significant reforms introduced to Parliament, including the extension of the Serious Incident Response Scheme to in-home care, introduction of a new Code of Conduct, establishment of Star Ratings, and new provider governance reforms,” Minister Wells said.
The appointment of an independent reviewer with the appropriate expertise and experience to deliver such an important piece of work will be announced shortly.
