Following up on their call for submissions last week, Commissioners Tony Pagone QC and Lynelle Briggs AO have issued a statement to say that they are “very concerned” by the reports of COVID-19 deaths in aged care homes.

You can read the press release here.

“They have already begun looking into the impact of the virus on aged care, consistent with their terms of reference as set out in the Letters Patent,” it reads.

“Since March, the Commissioners have been collecting information, including from submissions from the public, so that their final report may be informed by the lessons learnt from the pandemic – including the lessons from what has happened at Newmarch House, and other aged care facilities.”

The statement also suggests that like Earle Haven, the Commissioners may schedule a hearing into the outbreaks that have taken place in Australian aged care homes.

“The Commissioners may need to inquire into particular events relating to COVID-19 in particular residential facilities. However, any such inquiry must in no way distract providers from giving residents of aged care facilities the care that they need in these difficult times.”

Watch this space then.