Royal Commission into Quality and Safety in Aged Care

Victor Harcourt

As providers work through their data and documents for the Provider Survey, the Royal Commission’s office is engaging with select consumers and interviewing stakeholders across Australia to inform itself of the perceptions and experiences of the community.

In addition to this, the Royal Commission will be onboarding a new Commissioner replacing Hon Justice Joseph McGrath. Former Federal Court judge, Hon Richard Tracey AM RFD QC, has taken Justice McGrath’s place as the judicial representative on the Commission effective 10 December 2018. His Honour is familiar with the operation of Royal Commissions, having previously been engaged as counsel assisting in the 2001 Cole Royal Commission into the construction industry.

With the government keen to note that the new appointment will not impact on the time frame for the beginning of the Commission’s work, we hope there is sufficient time for the new Commissioner to delve deep into the very niche area of aged care before the first public hearing set for 18 January 2018.


Recent updates to the Royal Commission website 

For those who are subscribed to the Royal Commission mailing list, you may find that you haven’t been made aware of the most recent additions to the Commission’s official website. The Commission appear to be communicating directly with key contacts for each provider rather than through the registered mailing list.

As such, you may not have seen the updates to the ‘FAQ on Aged Care Approved Provider Information Request’ nor the addition of new content to the website like that of the ‘Related Publications’ page which lists an extensive set of possible reference material.

Russell Kennedy has created a suite of guidance documents available for purchase which incorporates and expands on the guidance provided by the Royal Commission for the completion of the voluntary submissions.


For further resources, we encourage you to visit our Royal Commission webpage which is updated regularly with insights and materials.

If you would like more information please contact Victor Harcourt from our Aged Care team.

If you’d like to stay up to date with insights for the Aged Care sector, please sign up here

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