Hearing locations a matter for aged care royal commissioners, Tasmanian government says

Labor and aged care advocates have called for the royal commission to allow Tasmanians to tell their stories in person locally to the commissioners, including calls for sessions in regional areas such as Launceston and Devonport.

Health Minister Michael Ferguson said while the government was an “enthusiastic supporter” of the royal commission, he did not want to interfere with its plans.

“That would be absolutely a matter for the royal commissioners,” he said.

“I would not seek to try to influence them, as I shouldn’t.”

Mr Ferguson said the government would still play a role in the royal commission, despite aged care services being a federal responsibility.

“We have been making some input and we will be making available any information as the royal commission would like from us, noting that the Tasmanian government does not regulate aged care but we obviously have a major interest in it and we want to see the best outcomes and an improved aged care sector for Tasmania,” he said.

The Council of the Ageing Tasmania stated it was “hopeful” the royal commission would include hearings in Tasmania.

Tasmania and South Australia have the nation’s most ageing populations, and numerous examples of shortcomings in aged care have been revealed in both states. Six providers failed accreditation in Tasmania in 2018.

The royal commission will hold a preliminary hearing in Adelaide on January 18 when times and locations for hearings could be determined. Initial hearings will be held in Adelaide in February.

Submissions by mail can be sent to Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, GPO Box 1151, Adelaide SA 500 or by phoning 1800 960 711.

Visit agedcare.royalcommission.gov.au for more information.

https://www.examiner.com.au/story/5837557/hearings-a-matter-for-royal-commissioners-government-says/