In addition to deferring the Support at Home Program, the Albanese Labor Government announced last night that it will conduct a capability review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC).
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells (pictured right) appeared on the ABC’s 7.30 program last night to discuss the government’s aged care reforms, and said that the level of inspection and audits currently taking place in residential care was an issue raised with her by constituents visiting her mobile offices.
“Certainly, people talk to me about the regulator all of the time,” she told host Sarah Ferguson.
“We are bringing forward the capability review of the regulator. It was something that the Royal Commission asked us to do, and we’re bringing it forward so that we can get the answers as quickly as possible for people.”
In a separate statement, the Minister said that the review would consider whether the ACQSC has the “appropriate resources, workforce, necessary regulatory and investigatory skills, clinical knowledge, assessment skills and enforcement skills to meet its regulatory responsibilities and keep older Australians safe”.
“The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission is responsible for protecting and improving the safety, health, wellbeing and quality of life for older Australians receiving funded aged care services,” said the Minister.
“It is critical that the Commission is fit for purpose.”
An independent reviewer will be appointed to undertake the review, with a report due back in the first half of 2023.
