Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

Announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on 16 September 2018 after reports of abuse and neglect in nursing homes, including the Oakden scandal in South Australia. Letters Patent issued by the Governor-General with effect from 8 October 2018 appointed Justice Joseph McGrath and Lynelle Briggs AO; McGrath stood aside for family reasons and amended Letters Patent of 6 December 2018 appointed the Hon Richard Tracey AM RFD QC in his place. The terms of reference covered the quality of aged care and the extent of substandard care and abuse, care for younger people with disability and people with dementia, future challenges, person-centred care and sustainability. An interim report was due by 31 October 2019 and a final report by 30 April 2020.

Legislation: Royal Commissions Act 1902

1. 6 December 2018Letters Patent amended to appoint Richard Tracey in place of Joseph McGrath.
2. 13 September 2019Letters Patent amended to appoint Tony Pagone QC as a third Commissioner and extend the final reporting date to 12 November 2020.
3. 11 October 2019Commissioner Richard Tracey died.
4. 31 October 2019Interim report, Neglect, presented.
5. 25 June 2020Letters Patent amended to make Tony Pagone chair and extend the final reporting date to 26 February 2021, after the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted hearings.
6. October 2020Special report on aged care and COVID-19 tabled.

The final report, Care, Dignity and Respect (148 recommendations), was presented to the Governor-General on 26 February 2021 and tabled on 1 March 2021; the two Commissioners disagreed on some recommendations. It led to a new Aged Care Act 2024, staffing and funding reforms and the Inspector-General of Aged Care (2023).

• Inquiry into the quality and safety of residential and home aged care
• Inquiry into abuse and neglect in aged care
• Recommendations on the future design, funding and regulation of aged care

Last in the portfolio of Attorney-General's Department.

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