This section sets out specific reports and reviews that are required to be completed under the Act and presented to Parliament. Reporting on and reviewing the aged care system helps to make sure it’s transparent, sustainable, accountable and meets the needs of older people.
Reports
The department has to give the Minister for Aged Care and Seniors a report every year. This report must highlight how key parts of the aged care system are working.
For example, it has to show:
- the demand for aged care that isn’t being met
- how long people are waiting to get services.
Reviews
There are certain reviews that independent reviewers must do. This includes:
- how providers are using refundable deposits
- how much providers are charging for accommodation.
Independent reviewers also need to check how well the Act is working in the aged care system. For example:
- how the Statement of Rights and Statement of Principles are working in practice
- how well the new aged care laws are meeting the objectives of the Act
- if the Act is supporting fair access to services
- how well the aged care system is being managed and monitored, in terms of governance and regulation
- how well the fees and contributions from older people are supporting a sustainable aged care system.
The Act includes the timeline for each review, and when the review or report has to be tabled in both houses of Parliament.