New statutory agency to investigate systemic issues in aged care
The new Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care will provide informed and independent oversight of the aged care system.
The Department of Health and Aged Care advised this week that a new independent statutory authority called the Office of the Inspector-General of Aged Care has been established.
This new authority will help improve the aged care system so older people can get the care they need. It will do this by calling out problems and identifying areas for improvement, through reports to the Australian Parliament.
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety recommended that the Australian Government set up the office. The office was established by the Inspector-General of Aged Care Act 2023.
The Act gives the Inspector-General powers to:
- investigate systemic issues across the aged care system, including complaints management processes
- report on the government’s implementation of the recommendations from the Royal Commission’s final report.
The Inspector-General will report findings and recommendations on systemic aged care issues to the Australian Government, parliament and public.
The government is currently going through a selection process to appoint the Inspector-General. Until this happens, Mr Ian Yates AM is the acting Inspector-General.
For more information visit igac.gov.au
