A preliminary hearing was held in Adelaide on January 18 to outline the angles, themes, topics and deadlines the commission will tackle.

Emphasis has been placed, rightly so, on the number, location and dates of a public hearing schedule that will be held throughout this year to allow for direct witness testimony. The royal commission has indicated that it will be holding public hearings in every capital city, and is looking at holding some in regional areas.

Holding a public hearing in Northern Tasmania would allow for our communities to engage directly with the process.

It would also be fitting, considering the sanctions received by North-West aged care residential facility Yaraandoo at Somerset.

Tasmania has the oldest population and the fastest ageing population in the country.

It stands to reason that Tasmanians will be taking a keen interest in the workings and outcomes of the royal commission.

Tasmanians will also be sharing their stories from the sector, of both good and bad experiences in the industry.

However, public hearings are not the only way that Tasmanians can engage with the royal commission.

Surveys and public forums will also be conducted, as well as other data-collecting exercises. And it’s important to note that written submissions have already been sought and received. The closing date for written submissions won’t be until later in the year. The aged care royal commission is going to be difficult.

Wicking Dementia Centre head James Vickers described the royal commission after the announcement as “like lancing a boil” – painful, but needed.

The only way the royal commission will ensure the best outcome, unearth systemic failings with the system and importantly, work towards a solution, is if people engage with the process. It is time to have those discussions with the elderly people in your life or with your families and those in the industry, about how you may contribute to this important conversation we need.