The federal government has announced it will act on a royal commission recommendation to ensure the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is fit for purpose.
Aged care minister Anika Wells indicated an independent reviewer “with the appropriate expertise and experience” would be chosen soon.
In a statement on Thursday, Wells outlined what the capability review would consider to ensure the commission was meeting its regulatory responsibilities and keeping older Australians safe.
She said the review would look at appropriate resources, workforce, necessary regulatory and investigatory skills, clinical knowledge, assessment skills and enforcement skills.
“The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is responsible for protecting and improving the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life for older Australians receiving funded aged care services,” Wells said.
“It is critical that the commission is fit for purpose.”
The government expects the review will report back with findings by the first half of 2023.
Wells also took a swipe at the former Coalition government under the leadership of Scott Morrison, saying they had failed to act on the Aged Care Royal Commission report tabled last March.
“We will continue to work closely with the commission to deliver the significant reforms introduced to parliament, including the extension of the serious incident response scheme to in-home care, the introduction of a new code of conduct, the establishment of star ratings, and new provider governance reforms,” she said.
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