The Older Persons Advocacy Network (OPAN) has welcomed the appointment of Ms Liz Hefren-Webb as the new Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner.
OPAN CEO Craig Gear OAM said Ms Hefren-Webb will play an important role leading the country’s national regulator of aged care.
“I congratulate Ms Hefren-Webb for being appointed to this position. She will be tasked with the enormous job of upholding the health, safety and wellbeing of older people,” Mr Gear said.
“This appointment comes at a pivotal time in the aged care sector as we move towards a rights-based Aged Care Act in 2025.”
Ms Hefren-Webb has held many senior positions across Government, most recently as the Deputy Secretary, Social Policy, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. She will commence her new role on 20 January 2025.
Mr Gear thanked the outgoing Commissioner Ms Janet Anderson PSM.
“I would also like to thank Ms Anderson, our inaugural Commissioner, for her leadership since 2019,” Mr Gear said.
“Ms Anderson oversaw the implementation of the Aged Care Quality Standards, the establishment of the Serious Incident Response Scheme, and mandatory care minutes – all important reform pieces which have improved an older person’s experience in aged care.
“I look forward to working with Ms Hefren-Webb in the new year to ensure the voices of older people are at the core of our national regulator’s focus.”
