Statement from Ms Janet Anderson PSM, Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioner

On 21 July 2023, the Minister for Aged Care, the Hon Anika Wells MP, released the final report of the capability review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, conducted by independent reviewer Mr David Tune AO PSM.

We welcome this report which will ensure that the Commission continues to strengthen its capability, efficiency and effectiveness in upholding best practice care for older people. 

The independent capability review provided an important and timely opportunity for the Commission to reflect on its own performance.  We appreciate the thoroughness of Mr Tune’s review and his acknowledgement of the work undertaken by the Commission since its inception in 2019 to set it on an aspirational path towards becoming a world class regulator.

Minister Wells has indicated that she will carefully consider the 32 report recommendations as a matter of priority. I look forward to participating in the senior level Steering Group to be established to advise Government on prioritisation and implementation of the recommendations. 

As implementation decisions are made, the Commission is committed to working with all relevant stakeholders – people receiving aged care and their representatives, providers, the Aged Care Quality and Safety Advisory Council, the Department of Health and Aged Care, industry bodies, the Interim Inspector General of Aged Care and our staff - to ensure that the changes and improvements we introduce will achieve the desired outcomes.

The Commission’s work is important to every older person receiving aged care across Australia. Our role as the national aged care regulator is critical to meeting the Australian Government’s commitment to ensure the safety, security, dignity and wellbeing of aged care recipients. 

We are determined to use the review findings and recommendations as a springboard to strengthen our capability to help lift the standard of care and overall performance of the aged care sector, and boost the community’s trust and confidence in aged care services.

Further information

Report of the Independent Capability Review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, David Tune AO PSM 31 March 2023 and Minister for Aged Care, the Hon Anika Wells MP statement are available on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website here.

Download the PDF version of this media statement.

Media enquiries: media@agedcarequality.gov.au

24 July 2023