The Carers Are Us

Neglect and failure in the aged care sector are grave concerns for all Australians. They reflect poorly on us and ignore the values on which the nation was founded. By Tim James.

The interim report of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, delivered last month, is a difficult but essential expose of the neglect and abuse in the sector.

After a year of submissions and public hearings, it concluded that aged care was “a sad and shocking system that diminishes Australia as a nation.”

This week Prime Minister Morrison announced the Government’s immediate response to the interim report: an additional funding package of $537 million, consisting of investments in 10,000 home care packages, improved medication management, dementia training and support for aged care workers, and new targets in relation to young people in residential aged care.

He also called for a culture of respect for older Australians. He rightly described this as a culture shift, one that goes beyond government.

Morrison is correct. Government is not the solution here. There is no publicly funded panacea. While government has a vital role to play in response, the findings here are for all Australians to understand, reflect and act upon. The corporate sector, not-for-profits, churches, communities, families and individuals all need to heed the message and help to improve care for older Australians. 

Morrison has said the government will deal with these issues as everyday Australians would with their own family. He said that his family is no different to any other here. It’s both a sensitive and sound message. We all bear responsibility here.  Chances are that one day every one of us will need the care that we help contribute to for our elderly. 

The Menzies Research Centre will next year have more to say on our ageing population and care for older Australians.

The Prime Minister has made it clear there is more to do. There are further responses to come, including in the Budget and when the commission’s final report is released in November 2020. 

A lot of work is already underway. Hundreds of young Australians (mostly disabled) have been found alternatives to aged care. And almost 50,000 more home care places for older Australians have been funded in the past 18 months. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of the commission to date has been the contribution of Commissioner Richard Tracey AM RFD QC.

He completed the enormous volume of work required to finalise the interim report while facing a terminal condition, working until the end of his life. The transcript of tributes to him and his work by his fellow commissioners here is moving.

In many ways he demonstrated the values needed to guide the industry: care, dedication, responsibility and selflessness. 

Aged care is critical to our communal character, particularly with an ageing population. Morrison’s call for a culture of respect for older Australians lays a foundation for the future.