Aged care royal commission: fears for system’s future

One commissioner said there’s a “rising torrent of concern” that aged care is faltering, as the Royal Commission begins.

The aged care Royal Commission has begun in Adelaide today. Picture: istock

There has been a “rising torrent of concern that the aged care system is faltering” and may not be around in the future, commissioner Lynelle Briggs has said during her opening address to the Royal Commission as it began in Adelaide this morning.

“We need to ensure that all Australians have confidence that this system will deliver for them into the future … that aged care services can be delivered effectively and sustainably,” she said.

“We will look at the expectations of Australians for the quality and safety of their care and the workforce implications of that, among other things.”

Former Federal Court of Australia judge Richard Tracey, the second commissioner, told the hearing that “our remit is broad.”

“These terms necessarily arise because of Australia’s changing demographics,” he said.

“And they will necessarily require us to look at events in the past. We will consider any actions which should be taken to avoid any repetition of system failures.”

Ms Briggs said providers have not yet been compelled to provide any information but warned them failing to do so would be a red flag.

“Inevitably, providers who do not engage with our requests draw attention to themselves and their practices,” she said.

The hearing continues.