Aged care issues to air

Tasmanians concerned no dates set for royal commission hearings

TASMANIANS anxious about the quality of aged care are being frustrated by the lack of a timeline for the royal commission to hold sittings here.

While the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety was announced in October last year — with hearings since held in several mainland cities — no date has been confirmed for Tasmania.

Independent MP for Clark, Andrew Wilkie, understands the commission may hold hearings in Hobart in September, but there is concern that is not soon enough.

Council on the Ageing Tasmania CEO Sue Leitch said there were families eager to tell their stories.

“It is very important for people who want to be heard to be able to do so, both people receiving services themselves, but also for family and friends who may want to speak on their behalf,” Ms Leitch said.

One Tasmanian residential aged care facility was sanctioned last year and did not pass its follow-up accreditation audit.

“While there are some very good service providers in the state, it is likely that there will be other issues raised,” Ms Leitch said.

Tasmanian federal Labor MP and Opposition spokeswoman on Ageing Julie Collins said time was pressing.

“With the royal commission’s interim report set to be delivered in October, it is concerning that Tasmanians might not have an opportunity to give evidence before this time,” Ms Collins said.

The latest schedule of hearings on the royal commission website shows sessions moving to Mildura in regional Victoria from July 29-31 and then to Brisbane from August 5-9. There are no hearings advertised after that date.

Tasmanian Liberal Senator and Minister for Aged Care and Senior Australians Richard Colbeck said the royal commission made its scheduling decisions independent of Government.

“But as a Tasmanian, I am very pleased that the royal commission will hold hearings in our state,” he said.

Mr Wilkie said the royal commission needed to come to Tasmania “as soon as possible”.

“I’ve heard countless horror stories from constituents about theirs, or their relatives’ experience, in aged care facilities,” Mr Wilkie said.

“[It’s] often several a week, so I’m convinced that there is a lot for the commission to investigate in Tasmania.

“Complaints relate to the quality of care and particularly food in aged care facilities, as well as the lack of support for elderly people who are immobile.”