Royal Commission final report – restoring dignity 2 years on

A group of senior Australians having a cup of tea

1 March 2023 marked 2 years since the final report from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was tabled in Parliament, a critical milestone in the journey to restoring dignity to older people in Australia.

What we achieved in 2022

  • drafted and supported passage of 2 legislative Acts through the Parliament to support reform in the aged care sector
  • introduced Star Ratings for residential aged care
  • extended the Serious Incident Response Scheme to home care
  • improved transparency and accountability around home care pricing and fees
  • backed a wage increase for aged care workers
  • legislated 24/7 nurses and more care minutes in residential aged care homes
  • enabled a new funding model for residential aged care to better match the costs of delivering care
  • established the Office of the Interim Inspector-General for Aged Care with Mr Ian Yates AM appointed as Interim Inspector-General of Aged Care.

What’s to come

We have a big year ahead with some major pieces of work underway like the National Dementia Action Plan, boosting aged care worker skills, increasing the number of home care workers and reforms to in-home aged care to name a few.

Have your say on aged care reform

Thousands of people have been involved in shaping the reforms so far through our surveys, webinars, online workshops, consultation papers and face-to-face events.

There are still plenty of opportunities for you to have your say about the changes to aged care:

Talk with us in person at one of the many upcoming events around Australia that we’re attending.


Let's change aged care, together

Every Australian should feel confident about accessing high quality and safe aged care, when and where they need it.

The changes mean Older people will have greater choice and control, services that respect and meet their needs, and support to stay independent as they age.

To find out more and help design the changes, visit the Get Involved page or call 1800 318 209.

Subscribe to our aged care newsletters and mailing lists

Sign up for regular updates on changes to aged care, open consultations and news for aged care providers.

SIGN-UP

The Department of Health and Aged Care acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to elders both past and present.