As the federal government ploughs ahead with reforms to the aged care system, Australians have until January 27 to have their say on a draft bill and consultation paper on the policy underpinning the roles and functions of the new Office of the Inspector General of Aged Care.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ian Yates, former chief exective of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Australia has been appointed interim Inspector General but the establishment of the Inspector General and supporting Office requires legislation passed by Parliament.
It is anticipated this will happen in mid-2023.
The independent statutory office - the Inspector-General of Aged Care - was a recommendation of the aged care royal commission, to drive improvements in the aged care system and address longstanding sector-wide problems, or 'systemic issues', in aged care.
Some of those issues included inadequate funding, variable provider behaviour, a lack of system leadership, and poor access to health care amongst people receiving aged care.
The draft bill covers the role and functions of the inspector general, oversight, monitoring and reporting as well as protections for whistleblowers, criminal offences and civil penalties.
The bill and consultation papers were drawn up after consultation with the Council of Elders and the National Aged Care Advisory Council.
"The establishment of the Interim Inspector-General, and later, Inspector-General of Aged Care, presents an opportunity to address long-standing issues with the aged care system," said Mr Yates. "I am confident we can help build community confidence in an accountable and transparent aged care system that meets the diverse needs of older Australians, their families and carers."
Eileen Wood
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
I'm a senior news journalist at The Senior newspaper, the leading publication bringing targeted news on issues affecting older Australians. We cover NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania, SA and WA. If you have a story idea I would love to hear it. You can email me: eileen.wood@thesenior.com.au or phone The Senior 02-4355-5000, mob. 0487 495 805
