Peter Lindsay (Herbert, Liberal Party, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That the amendment be agreed to.

The Aged Care Amendment (Security and Protection) Bill 2007 was introduced into the parliament on 8 February 2007 to increase protection for care recipients, including compulsory reporting of abuse, protections for those who report and improved arrangements for the investigation of complaints. The bill was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs for inquiry, and it reported on 9 March 2007. Through the inquiry process, the aged care sector raised a concern about the limited time that aged care providers would have to ensure that they have the system and processes in place to meet the new regulations. Currently, subject to the passage of legislation, the arrangements are to take effect on 1 April 2007. Further, in recognition of the additional responsibilities the bill places on approved providers—especially in relation to communication with staff and instituting new systems—the committee also recommended that the commencement date, particularly in relation to the reporting provisions, be deferred for a period of at least one month.

In response to aged care sector concerns and the subsequent recommendation of the Senate inquiry, the government moved an amendment to the bill to extend the implementation time frames. The government amendment was supported by the opposition and the Australian Democrats and was passed in the Senate on 22 March 2007. Under the amendment, the new complaints investigation arrangements, including the establishment of the new Aged Care Commissioner, will take effect from 1 May 2007. The compulsory reporting and whistleblower protection arrangements will commence from 1 July 2007.

This extension to the time frames will allow the industry to implement appropriate procedures and communicate the new requirements to staff. Compulsory reporting raises complex and sensitive issues and it will be beneficial for providers to have more time to understand and implement required changes in this important area. This amendment will also allow additional time for further consultation with the aged care sector through the Minister for Ageing’s Aged Care Advisory Committee on the detail of the new arrangements, which will be set out in subordinate legislation.

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