Federal MP Darren Chester says he is confident the majority of Gippsland aged care providers are doing the right thing by older Australians but he has welcomed the Royal Commission into the Aged Care Sector.
The Federal Government has announced a Royal Commission to investigate the quality of care provided in residential and home aged care settings for both older Australians and younger people with disabilities.
“I regularly visit aged care providers across Gippsland and am always impressed by the high standard of care being provided locally,” Mr Chester said.
“We are fortunate to have many skilled and dedicated aged care workers providing high quality care across a range of local facilities.
“But at a national level, serious allegations are being made of residents being hurt by failures of care that cannot be explained or excused.
“People need to have confidence that their loved ones are being well cared for and respected. As a community we expect high standards for the quality and safety of aged care services.
“This Royal Commission will determine what we need to do in the future to make sure these expectations can be met.”
Mr Chester said the Royal Commission would investigate the aged care sector as a whole, including profit and not for profit providers, large and small facilities, and those from regional and metropolitan areas.
“One key area of concern in our smaller regional towns is making sure that community-run aged care services are financially viable in the longer term. I would like to see the Royal Commission address this issue in the interest of older Australians and aged care workers in rural and regional areas,” he said.
“The Royal Commission will look at the sector as a whole and, as a Government and a Parliament, it will be our job to act on these findings together.”
The Royal Commission terms of reference will be developed in consultation with the aged care sector. Anyone with immediate concerns can contact the Aged Care Complaints Commissioner on 1800 550 552 or lodge a complaint online.
