A SENIORS group hopes the federal government honours aged care royal commission chair Richard Tracey QC's legacy by taking heed of the report he worked on up until he died.
The former Federal Court judge died aged 71 in the US on Friday, where he was being treated for terminal skin cancer diagnosed only seven weeks earlier.
Mr Tracey completed the inquiry's interim report with fellow commissioner Lynelle Briggs, who said his death was a shock and "absolutely shattering".
Ms Briggs said the report, to be released on October 31, would be one of the many legacies of a wise and kind man who knew the law like the back of his hand.
"Our interim report will be his interim report," she said.
The royal commission, legal community, seniors groups and the federal government paid tribute to Mr Tracey, who had labelled aspects of the aged care system cruel and unkind.
National Seniors Australia chairman Chris Guille said Mr Tracey made it clear the commission was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a better system of care for elderly Australians.
"We ask that the government takes heed of his interim recommendations which he worked on right up until his last days and ensures his legacy is not forgotten," Mr Guille said.
The federal health and aged care ministers, Greg Hunt and Richard Colbeck, acknowledged Mr Tracey's professionalism, compassion and leadership.
"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.
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Tony Pagone QC, a former Federal Court judge who was appointed as the third royal commissioner a month ago, has taken over as inquiry chair.
Mr Tracey's death was announced on Monday at the beginning of the royal commission's public hearing in Melbourne into the aged care workforce.
The inquiry will focus on a particular case study on Tuesday, investigating a Melbourne aged care facility that was sanctioned for failing to meet staffing standards.
Australian Associated Press
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