Consultation to develop the detailed Terms of Reference for the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

Overview

On Sunday 16 September Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the Government's decision to ask the Governor General to establish a Royal Commission into the aged care sector.

The Royal Commission will primarily look at the quality of care provided in residential and home aged care to senior Australians. It will also include young Australians with disabilities living in residential aged care settings.

We are committed to providing older Australians with access to care that supports their dignity and recognises the contribution that they have made to society.

The Terms of Reference will be determined in consultation with the community, including residents and their families and aged care providers.

It is expected it will cover:

• The quality of care provided to older Australians, and the extent of substandard care;
• The challenge of providing care to Australians with disabilities living in residential aged care, particularly younger people with disabilities;
• The challenge of supporting the increasing number of Australians suffering dementia and addressing their care needs as they age;
• The future challenges and opportunities for delivering aged care services in the context of changing demographics, including in remote, rural and regional Australia;
• Any other matters that the Royal Commission considers necessary.

Why your views matter

We are seeking your feedback to develop the detailed Terms of Reference of the Royal Commission. Comments are open to members of the community, including residents and their families and aged care providers and aged care workers.

Your comments will be collated and provided to government to inform the Latters Patent (Terms of Reference).

You can also visit the health.gov.au website to subscribe to the mailing list to stay up to date with information about the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

What if I have immediate concerns?

The Aged Care Complaints Commissioner (www.agedcarecomplaints.gov.au) provides a free service for anyone to raise their concerns about the quality of care or services being delivered to people receiving aged care services subsidised by the Australian Government. You can phone the Commissioner on 1800 550 552 (9am–5pm, Monday to Friday) or you can lodge a complaint online.

For general information on aged care services

Contact My Aged Care 1800 200 422 or visit www.myagedcare.gov.au

What happens next

Your comments will be collated and provided to government. 

You can also visit the health.gov.au website to subscribe to the mailing list to stay up to date with information about the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety