Malarndirri McCarthy (NT, Australian Labor Party, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians) Share this | Hansard source

While the inspector-general was established as a recommendation of the royal commission, it's valuable oversight function should outlast the implementation of the royal commission recommendations. Under the current bill the inspector-general must conduct two reviews to evaluate the implementation of the royal commission recommendations, and these reports will be due by 1 March 2026 and 1 March 2031 respectively.

The inspector-general also has the discretion to report more frequently if they believe it's necessary and, as appropriate, can discontinue reporting when it is no longer necessary to continue reporting on these recommendations. It was the intention of the Minister for Aged Care to direct the Inspector-General of Aged Care using powers provided under section 17 to provide such reports. However, the Albanese government values transparency and accountability and recognises Senator Rice's amendment to legislate a requirement for an annual review to be given to the minister and published on the inspector-general's website by 1 June 2024 and 1 June 2025. The government supports this amendment.