The Albanese Government has today introduced key legislation to further drive transparency and accountability across the aged care sector.
Once passed, the Inspector-General of Aged Care Bill will establish an independent body with coercive information gathering powers to review the Commonwealth's administration and regulation of the aged care system.
The bill will give the Inspector-General the necessary powers to investigate systemic issues across the aged care system, including complaints management processes.
The Inspector-General will report findings and recommendations to Government, to Parliament, and to the public, to facilitate positive change for older Australians.
The Inspector-General will also have powers to report on the Government's implementation of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety's recommendations.
Importantly, the Inspector-General will operate autonomously, at arm's length from the Australian Government.
Ian Yates AM will continue as interim Inspector-General pending legislation passage and the appointment of a permanent Inspector-General is expected in the second half of this year.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Aged Care, Anika Wells:
"The Albanese Government is ambitious for aged care and demands accountability and transparency from the sector.
"The Inspector-General of Aged Care Bill will establish an independent Inspector-General of Aged Care, who will monitor and investigate the Commonwealth's administration and regulation of the aged care system.
"This Bill reinforces the Albanese Government's commitment to hold ourselves to the same high standards that we expect of the sector."
