This report makes a series of recommendations in relation to the aged care workforce, quality of care, the Complaints Resolution Scheme, the number young people being placed in aged care, and related matters.

With Australia's population ageing, demand for aged care services will increase. This will require not only adequate facilities but a skilled and committed workforce. The aged care workforce is facing significant challenges: the lack of pay parity along with the requirements for paperwork means that nursing staff and personal carers are difficult to recruit and retain; the decrease in the number of nurses employed in the residential aged care sector can lead to inappropriate skills mix, increased stress and potentially a decrease in the quality of care; expansion of the community care sector has lead to increasing demands for skilled workers; and poor pay for personal carers make it difficult to employ staff. There are fewer GPs providing services in residential aged care facilities as well as a lack of specialist geriatricians in residential services. These issues are exacerbated by the current general shortage of nurses and medical practitioners.