14 October 2022

The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission’s work is important to every older person receiving aged care across Australia – now and into the future.

Our role as the national aged care regulator is critical to meet the Australian Government’s commitment to ensure the safety, security, dignity and wellbeing of every older Australian accessing aged care services.

In July 2022, the Minister for Aged Care, the Hon Anika Wells MP, announced that the Government would expedite a capability review of the Commission, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. On 14 October 2022, Minister Wells released the Terms of Reference for this independent capability review.

The review is part of the Government’s overall focus on Australia’s aged care system to ensure access to, and confidence in, aged care services that meet the needs and expectations of senior Australians.

The aim of the review is to ensure that the regulator is well-placed to fulfil its current and future responsibilities to hold providers to account for their delivery of safe, quality care and services that are tailored to meet the needs of each consumer. The review will identify improvements that will support the regulator to undertake strong regulatory activities, increase accountability, promote best practice and lift sector performance.

The Commission is committed to supporting the work of the independent reviewer, Mr David Tune AO PSM, as he conducts the review and prepares a report for Government identifying opportunities to strengthen the Commission’s effectiveness and impact.

Importantly, the work of the Commission will continue unabated while the capability review is underway. We will stay focused on undertaking all of our regulatory functions including offering support and guidance to the sector in the lead up to, and beyond the commencement of key reforms due to come into place from 1 December 2022 – implementing the Serious Incident Response Scheme in home services, introducing a code of conduct for providers and workers, and strengthening provider governance.

If anyone has a concern about the care and services being provided by an aged care service, they should contact the Commission by telephone on 1800 951 822 or via our website at: www.agedcarequality.gov.au.

Further information

Information on the key reforms coming into place from 1 December 2022 is available on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.

Information about the capability review, including the Terms of Reference is available on the Department of Health and Aged Care’s website.

Media enquiries: media@agedcarequality.gov.au