David Tune has delivered the final report of the independent Capability Review of the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission to the Albanese Government with 32 recommendations for change.
Mr Tune – former secretary of the Department of Finance and Deregulation – was appointed the independent reviewer to lead the capability review in October.
His brief included determining whether the commission – which was established on 1 January 2019 – was fit for purpose and could uphold best practice for aged care recipients.
Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells announced last Thursday that government had received the report and was now considering its findings.
The final report examines the capability of the commission, reviewing its appropriate legislative foundations, resources, workforce, skills and support to meet the needs of the aged care sector, she said.
“The comprehensive final report acknowledges the unprecedented challenges the commission has faced since its inception and provides key insights into the commission’s current capabilities.
“The review includes 32 recommendations that present opportunities to reform and strengthen the aged care regulator into the future and continue to build on its capabilities,” she said in a statement. “We are carefully considering the report and working our way through the recommendations.”
Ms Wells thanked Mr Tune, the review team and everyone who contributed to the process, and reiterated some of her comments on Twitter.
Mr Tune has undertaken several reviews in the past, including the Legislated Review of Aged Care 2017, a five-year examination of the Living Longer Living Better aged care reforms.
The full report of the capability review will be released with the government’s response in due course, Ms Wells said.
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