Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

I thank the senator for the advance notice of her question and note her very genuine interest in this matter. I also note that it's her first question in this place.

The Minister for Aged Care's office has provided me with some information, which I am very happy to provide for the benefit of the Senate, but I would also be more than happy to arrange for a follow-up briefing for the senator with the minister. Under the Aged Care Act, approved providers of residential aged care are required by law to meet quality standards to ensure quality care and services are provided to all care recipients. This includes maintaining an adequate number of appropriately skilled staff to ensure that the care needs of care recipients are met.

The Australian Aged Care Quality Agency monitors aged-care homes against quality standards and undertakes at least one unannounced site visit per year. This includes interviewing care recipients about their experiences of care and services that they receive. Under these standards, approved providers must ensure there are adequate numbers of appropriately skilled staff to care for recipients' needs. If a provider is not meeting its legislative obligations, the Department of Health may take regulatory action, including imposing sanctions. Anyone who has concerns about matters affecting the care of residents can contact the Commonwealth's Aged Care Complaints Commissioner. There are strict confidentiality and anonymity provisions within aged-care legislation that ensure that people who request confidentiality are protected from having their identity disclosed.