Aged care fix is needed

EDITORIAL: Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement of a Royal Commission into aged care is a sign that he is prepared to get on with the serious business of government.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: KYM SMITH

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison’s announcement of a Royal Commission into aged care is a welcome one. Just three weeks into the job it is a sign that he is prepared to get on with the serious business of government.

There is no doubt that a Royal Commission is warranted. In recent years there have been a series of stories from the sector sufficient to raise concerns. As we have learned from the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, even institutions founded on the loftiest of ideals can fall well short because of human foibles.

As we have learned from the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry, the interplay between industry, regulators and the law can fall short of providing the best protection for consumers.

The new Royal Commission must be given terms of reference, a time frame and the resources sufficient to do a thorough job. In the case of the financial services inquiry, there is a perception afoot that while much useful information is being uncovered, that the whole affair is a little rushed and not all those who wish to be heard are being given a hearing.

Aged care is of vital concern for many people. Australians are fortunate enough to have life expectancies which extend well beyond retirement and the prospect of needing some form of assistance in our later years is increasingly likely as a result.

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It is reasonable to expect that such care provided a high level of comfort, dignity and respect in what for many people will be the final chapter in their lives. Finding the best options is often confusing and expensive, and concerns over the quality of care make what for most is a difficult time of life even more vexed.

Mr Morrison has warned that Australians should “brace ourselves for some pretty bruising information about the way our loved ones, some of them have experienced some real mistreatment”. He has pointed to figures showing the number of aged care facilities that have not complied with rules is increasing.

While a Royal Commission is generally supported by the industry as an opportunity for the nation to have a broader conversation about aged care, others note that there has been a series of inquiries in response to scandals. The conclusions of a Royal Commission must carry more weight and achieve more lasting solutions.

There are many reasons why it is important to get aged care right for the benefit of people who depend on the system. Australians need to be assured that they will be treated with an appropriate level of respect at all stages of their lives.

But it is beyond question that our aged care system is in need of serious reform. Aside from the scandals, it is clear that there are systemic issues that need to be addressed, from workforce planning to funding and cost.

A well-functioning and properly regulated aged care sector will reduce the burden on our health system. It is something we need to get right.

Mr Morrison was criticised for being one of those who warmed late to the idea of a banking Royal Commission. In this case, he is showing the kind of leadership Australians should applaud.

Originally published as Aged care fix is needed