Last week, we speculated that a national review of the sector was on its way – now a pre-emptive strike in response to yesterday’s Four Corners investigation.
On Sunday, the day before the program aired, Prime Minister Scott Morrison asked the Governor General to establish a Royal Commission into the sector.
While the terms of reference will be decided in consultation with providers, residents and their families, it’s expected to cover:
- The quality of care provided to older Australians, and the extent of substandard care;
- Providing care to Australians with disabilities living in residential aged care, particularly younger people with disabilities;
- Supporting the increasing number of Australians suffering dementia and addressing their care needs as they age; and
- The future challenges and opportunities for delivering aged care services in the context of changing demographics, including in remote, rural and regional Australia.
“What matters most is fixing and getting ahead of the problems,” Mr Morrison said.
No word yet on when the Commission will begin – we will keep you posted.
