This report outlines the Inspector-General’s assessment of the progress the Australian Government has made in implementing reforms in response to recommendations made by the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety (Royal Commission) which set out the foundations for transformational change across the aged care system. Much has been achieved in the ensuing 3 years, and much more is planned or well underway. 

The Inspector-General of Aged Care has assessed the Australian Government’s response to each of the 148 recommendations of the Royal Commission. With a particular focus on access and navigability issues – which are widely acknowledged systemic issues in the delivery of aged care – the Inspector-General has identified the need for more ambitious action and a continued concerted effort from government.

This report has found that older Australians continue to find it challenging to understand and access aged care, despite improvements made before and following the Royal Commission. Overwhelmingly, people do not plan sufficiently for aged care; many only focus on their aged care needs when it becomes a necessity. By the time they reach that point, many older Australians, their families and carers find initial engagement difficult.

Recommendations

• The government to establish an aged care system based on an entitlement to all forms of support and care an individual is assessed as needing.
• As part of finalising the new Act, consideration of sector and community views, and preparation of a subsequent complete version for introduction to Parliament as soon as practicable.
• Ensure there is sufficient home care funding to meet demand.
• The government to build sector confidence.
• Address perverse incentives and outcomes.
• Take steps to ensure Australian National Aged Care Classification (AN-ACC) funding is sufficient.
• Commonwealth agencies to take stock of relevant Royal Commission recommendations and consider whether the measures and actions implemented to date, or likely to be in place by 1 January 2025, address the totality of what the Royal Commission called for, or alternatively the broad intent.