Aged Care Royal Commission chair Richard Tracey QC dies after a short battle with cancer

Aged Care Royal Commission chair Richard Tracey QC has died after a short battle with cancer.

Royal Commissioner Richard Tracey at the first public hearing of the Royal Commission for Aged Care Quality and Safety in Adelaide in January.

Aged Care Royal Commission chair Richard Tracey QC has died just seven weeks after being diagnosed with cancer.

Commissioner Lynelle Briggs announced Mr Tracey’s death aged 71 at the opening of the commission’s session on Monday, saying he had died last Friday in California, where he was seeking treatment for his condition.

Ms Briggs said the news of his death was “a complete shock and absolutely shattering.”

“He was experienced. He was wise. He was admired. He knew the law like the back of his hand,” Ms Briggs said.

“He was prepared to take a punt if it meant getting a better outcome for older Australians.”

Mr Tracey’s fellow commissioner Tony Pagone QC will take over as chair. He said Mr Tracey’s work on the commission was “solid, selfless and significant.”

Mr Tracey was appointed chair of the Aged Care Royal Commission in December last year after a distinguished military career. He served in the Australian Army from 1975 to 2014, achieving the rank of Major-General. He was Judge Advocate General of the Australian Defence Force from 2007 to 2014.

Health minister Greg Hunt and Aged Care minister Richard Colbeck acknowledged Mr Tracey’s “professionalism, compassion and leadership” at the Royal Commission.

“Commissioner Tracey travelled widely to hear evidence from across the country and his work will play an integral role in the Royal Commission’s recommendations,” they said in a statement.

Law Council President, Arthur Moses SC, described Justice Tracey as “a man of the highest integrity”.

“On behalf of the Law Council I recognise and honour the important and enduring legacy of Justice Tracey to Australia’s legal community,” Mr Moses said.

“I note Justice Tracey’s particular contribution to military law and military justice, as a member of the ADF and important roles in the military justice system.”

Mr Tracey is survived by his wife Hilary and their children Jack, Philip, Fiona and Rosie.